Diagram of the External Tank on the Space Shuttle Poster

A Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) is the component of the Space Shuttle launch vehicle that contains the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer. During lift-off and ascent it supplies the fuel and oxidizer under pressure to the three space shuttle main engines (SSME) in the orbiter. The ET is jettisoned just over 10 seconds after MECO (Main Engine Cut Off), where the SSMEs are shut down, and re-enters the Earth's atmosphere. Unlike the Solid Rocket Boosters, external tanks have not been re-used. They break up before impact in the Indian Ocean (or Pacific Ocean in the case of direct-insertion launch trajectories, which are currently utilised) away from known shipping lanes. The tanks are not recovered. Image reproduction rights can be found in the link near the bottom of this description. Sign up to Mr. Rebates for FREE and save 12% on any zazzle order in addition to a $5.00 sign up bonus All Rights Reserved; without: prejudice, recourse or notice (U.C.C. 1-308) Image Reproduction Rights: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shuttleexternaltank.svg tank "space shuttle" "external tank" "space shuttle external tank" et diagram space "space exploration" "external tank chart" "external tank diagram" nasa "shuttle launch" "solid rocket boosters" "space mission" "space flight" astronomy "tank diagram" "tank chart" "shuttle tank external"