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The external tank was painted white for the first two space shuttle launches (STS-1 and STS-2). The paint was abandoned for two reasons.

1) After both launches, large pieces of paint had been observed flaking off due to booster ignition vibration (ignition shock). To prevent possible damage to the space shuttle heat tiles all future missions omitted the external booster tank paint.

2)In an effort to reduce the Shuttle's overall weight STS-3 and all subsequent missions used an unpainted tank, saving approximately 272 kg (600 lbs). This lack of paint gives the External tank its distinctive orange color.

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Q: Why don't they paint the large fuel tank on the space shuttle?
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