Edward Campion                                  February 28, 1994
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
(Phone:  202/358-1778)

June E. Malone
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
(Phone:  205/544-7061)


RELEASE:  94-32

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT EXTERNAL TANK TO BE USED BY SHUTTLE

     Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huntsville, Ala., 
management has received approval to proceed with the development 
and manufacturing of an improved, lighter version of the Space 
Shuttle External Tank.  The Super Lightweight External Tank will 
be fabricated of aluminum alloys and incorporate an orthogrid 
design for the panels which together make the tank 8,000 pounds 
lighter than the current configuration.

     This reduction in weight can be used to increase Shuttle 
performance, placing typical payloads into higher orbits or at 
higher inclination to the Equator or placing heavier payloads into 
low Earth orbit.  The Super Lightweight Tank development and 
production will enhance the Space Shuttle's capability to support 
the Space Station deployment.

     The existing contract for the tank with Martin Marietta will 
be modified, enabling the contractor to make the required changes.  
The first Super Lightweight Tank is scheduled for delivery in 
1997, with External Tank-96 projected as the first aluminum 
lithium tank.

     Testing of the new configuration will be accomplished at 
MSFC.  The program development cost is estimated at $172.5 
million.  Each Super Lightweight Tank produced will cost 
approximately $59 million.

                             - end -