The upgraded external fuel tank that will launch as part of the first post-Columbia shuttle mission in May arrived at the Kennedy Space Center today, setting the stage for attachment to a set of solid-fuel boosters.

The covered barge ferrying the re-designed space shuttle external fuel tank arrives at Kennedy Space Center as seen from atop the press site mound. Photo: William Harwood

A barge carrying external tank 120 was tied to a dock near the Vehicle Assembly Building around 2 p.m. after a five-day voyage from NASA's Michoud Assembly Plant near New Orleans.

"This is a very important day for the nation and for its space program," said external tank project manager Sandy Coleman. "This is a big boost (to morale). We're all excited we have all of the vehicle here at the Kennedy Space Center."

The shuttle Columbia was destroyed during re-entry Feb. 1, 2003, because of a crack or hole in its left wing that was caused by the impact of a piece of insulating foam that broke free from the orbiter's external tank during launch.

This view of the tank arrival shows the famous countdown clock and flag at the Kennedy Space Center press site with launch pad 39A in the background. Photo: William Harwood

The foam in question has been eliminated from the new tanks and other improvements have been implemented that, taken together, should make ET-120 "the safest and most reliable tank that's ever been produced," Coleman said.

The tank arrived at KSC a day early. It will be off loaded and towed to the Vehicle Assembly Building early Thursday. NASA plans a media photo opportunity and news conference later in the morning.

Shuttle commander Eileen Collins and the crew of the STS-114 mission are scheduled to visit the Kennedy Space Center Friday to view the tank and meet with spaceport workers. They also plan to hold their first question-and-answer session with reporters before heading back to Houston.

The barge is maneuvered into the tank unloading area. Photo: William Harwood