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Green Cove Springs, Florida: Space Shuttle External Tank

A rare survivor of the Space Shuttle program; all the External Tanks that flew burned up on reentry. This one is parked next to a street; you can get out and touch it.

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Shuttle tank.

Space Shuttle External Tank

This is an unused Space Shuttle external tank. It's visible from the road. We walked right up to it, touched it, and took photos with it.

[Susan, 01/09/2015]

The tank -- built in 1977 and used for loading and stress analysis tests -- sits on its original transporter. It's 154 feet long and weighs 39 tons empty. Since the external tanks that were used in launches burned up on reentry, this unused survivor is very rare.

Space Shuttle External Tank

Address:
3939 Reynolds Blvd, Green Cove Springs, FL
Directions:
From downtown drive south on Hwy 16, then turn east at the stoplight (Hess station) to follow Hwy 16. Drive one mile east. Turn left at the blinker light (marina on left) onto Reynolds Blvd. Drive until the road ends. You'll see the tank on the left. This is an open industrial wharf with limited water protections and few guardrails. Mind children and pets. Limited lighting in the area. Avoid after dark for safety.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Military Museum of North FloridaMilitary Museum of North Florida, Green Cove Springs, FL - < 1 mi.
1894 Old County Jail1894 Old County Jail, Green Cove Springs, FL - 2 mi.
J.C. Penney Statue - Failed UtopiaJ.C. Penney Statue - Failed Utopia, Penney Farms, FL - 9 mi.
In the region:
Peg Leg Pete, Amelia Island, FL - 49 mi.

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