External Tank Production Ends At NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

NASA has signed a $60.3 million contract modification to space shuttle main engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Inc. of Canoga Park, CA, to provide continued space shuttle main engine prelaunch, launch and landing support from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011.

This action is based on an extension to the current Space Shuttle Program flight manifest launch schedule, which shifted the last two scheduled launch dates into fiscal year 2011. This modification brings the total potential value of the contract to $2.25 billion.

However, the plant that produced the large, orange external tanks which delivered fuel to those main engines is shutting down.

After 37 years and 136 tanks delivered, Lockheed Martin announced Thursday that production of the Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) has come to an end at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.

The final tank arrived at Kennedy Space Center on September 27, ending a production program that began with contract award on September 5, 1973. Two shuttle launches remain in the program -- on November 1 this year and February 26 next year.

"The Space Shuttle has provided a pathway for America's leadership in space exploration," said Manny Zulueta, Lockheed Martin vice president & site executive at Michoud. "Working alongside NASA on the External Tank has been a gratifying and historic experience for our employees."

FMI: www.nasa.gov, www.lockheedmartin.com