Panama Canal – Spaceflight Now

May 16, 2026

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Photos: Space shuttle fuel tank in Panama for passage through canal

April 27, 2016 Justin Ray

The last space shuttle external tank in existence, headed from the New Orleans manufacturing plant to the California Science Center for the vertical launch pad display of the retired orbiter Endeavour, has passed through the Panama Canal.

Museum-bound shuttle external tank completes transit of Panama Canal

April 26, 2016 Justin Ray

Navigating the 48-mile Panama Canal that slices through the isthmus, the final shipment of a space shuttle external fuel tank emerged into the Pacific for a three-week trek to California.

Last space shuttle tank reaches Panama Canal for crossing to Pacific

April 23, 2016 Justin Ray

The tugboat and barge transporting the last space shuttle external tank to its display venue in California have reached the inlet to the Panama Canal, now just days away from sailing into the Pacific.