In addition to the rock and soil samples obtained from the moon landings, the Apollo program initiated numerous Earth observing projects. The earliest of these projects was The Earth Resources Observation Satellite program, EROS, in 1966. Born from the Gemini Program that returned hundreds of high-resolution colour images of the Earth, its terrain and weather. Weather satellite pictures were familiar in 1965, but the Gemini photos were stunningly better. EROS was eventually re-named Landsat.

The Apollo technology was also used in America's first space station, Skylab in 1973. Skylab's scientific experiments included an orbital sea-surface radar and a solar observatory.

Highlights from the NASA film "Skylab: The First 40 Days" featuring the problem-plagued launch of the first manned Skylab mission in May, 1973.; DNI; NASA; Highlights from the NASA film "Skylab: The First 40 Days" featuring the extended experimental activities with a much-needed spacewalk to restore full solar power.; DNI; NASA; NASA archive footage of a 1973 film tour through the surprisingly spacious compartments of the Skylab station.; DNI; NASA; NASA archive footage of Skylab zero-gravity athletics, including the "exercise wheel" and playing catch.; DNI; NASA; On-board footage and information about America's first space station, Skylab, launched into the Earth's orbit in 1973.