Skylab

The Skylab space station was launched on May 14, 1973 on the unmanned Skylab 1 mission. About one minute after launch, some serious technical problems arose. Aerodynamic stress tore loose the thin aluminum structure that acted as the station's meteorite shield and sunshade, together with one of the two electricity-producing solar panels. The other solar panel failed to deploy properly as a result. Absence of a sunshade meant that temperatures were high inside the space station, and there were concerns that toxic materials would be released, and that food would be spoiled.  On May 25, 1973, a three-man crew was launched on the Skylab 2 mission to attempt to repair the damage to the station. The crew put up a parasol-like structure to replace the lost sunshade. The temperature inside the station then dropped enough for the crew to enter. The one remaining solar panel was eventually made operational, making electricity available.

     The Skylab Program demonstrated several important points about space flight. First, it showed that man could live and operate effectively in space for long periods of time. The near-disaster that occurred soon after the Skylab 1 launch was evidence that repairing equipment in space was feasible. The program also indicated that free-flying unmanned laboratories were needed for conducting experiments which required an environment that was undisturbed by astronaut and maneuvering activities. NASA's interest in having unmanned platforms on the International Space Station stem directly from the Skylab experience.