Jason DavisJun 03, 2016

Follow a space shuttle tank through LA with this timelapse video

A couple weekends ago, the last unflown space shuttle external tank made a 19-hour trip through the streets of Los Angeles. It began its overland journey just after midnight on May 21, and finally pulled to a stop at the California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Pavilion around 7:00 p.m.

Space shuttle Endeavour is currently on display inside the pavilion. The tank and Endeavour will eventually be mated together with a pair of solid rocket boosters to create a full vehicle stack in launch position. 

The tank, known as ET-94, had quite an eventful trip. After leaving NASA's Michoud Assembly Faciliy on April 12, the shuttle relic traversed the Panama Canal and rescued the crew of a sunk ship off the coast of Mexico before clearing U.S. customs in San Diego

ET-94's arrival in California also marks the end of my own tank-chasing escapades. I created my third and final timelapse video; this one contains highlights of the tank rolling through the streets of Los Angeles. Enjoy!

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Space shuttle fuel tank arrives in Los Angeles Video: Jason Davis / The Planetary Society

Just in case you still haven't had enough shuttle tank coverage, we have photo galleries on Flickr and 500px.

Also, don't miss my previous timelapse videos from New Orleans and Panama:

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Last unflown space shuttle fuel tank leaves New Orleans Video: Jason Davis / The Planetary Society

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Last unflown space shuttle fuel tank transits Panama Canal Video: Jason Davis / The Planetary Society

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