Shuttle External Tank

The Shuttle External Tank (ET) was a large, lightweight container that supplied fuel to the Space Shuttle's main engines during launch. It held liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, which powered the engines to lift the shuttle into space. After fueling the engines, the ET was jettisoned and fell back to Earth, where it was typically recovered and recycled for future missions. The ET was essential for providing the thrust needed to escape Earth’s gravity, functioning as the shuttle's external fuel source during liftoff.