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NASA 50th Anniversary Skylab

Skylab

Skylab was an enormous satellite, but the 77.5 ton experimental station remained in Earth's orbit for only six years. Its main objective was to prove that humans could live and work in space for extended periods, and to expand our knowledge of solar astronomy. To achieve this it included a laboratory for studying the effects of microgravity, and a solar observatory.

Three sets of three astronauts visited Skylab, residing at the space station on missions that lasted 28, 59, and 84 days. In that time, nearly 300 scientific and technical experiments were completed, including analysing the effects of solar flares on Earth and medical experiments investigating the prolonged physiological demands on astronauts in space.

Due to the prolonged affect of weightlessness on their bodies, the returning astronauts from these long missions were too weak to stand. Exercise equipment became a requirement of all long space missions.

Sick Building Syndrome
Plants were introduced to the Skylab living quarters when scientists discovered 107 volatile organic compounds including formaldehyde and benzene. These chemicals, used in the construction of the space station were trapped, unable to circulate. After the foliage plants were introduced, tests showed that the air quality had improved and the symptoms reported by the crew had disappeared.
(NASA)
Skylab was an enormous satellite, but the 77.5 ton experimental station remained in Earth's orbit for only six years. Its main objective was to prove that humans could live and work in space for extended periods, and to expand our knowledge of solar astronomy. To achieve this it included a laboratory for studying the effects of microgravity, and a solar observatory.

Three sets of three astronauts visited Skylab, residing at the space station on missions that lasted 28, 59, and 84 days. In that time, nearly 300 scientific and technical experiments were completed, including analysing the effects of solar flares on Earth and medical experiments investigating the prolonged physiological demands on astronauts in space.

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.


Due to the prolonged affect of weightlessness on their bodies, the returning astronauts from these long missions were too weak to stand. Exercise equipment became a requirement of all long space missions.

Sick Building Syndrome
Plants were introduced to the Skylab living quarters when scientists discovered 107 volatile organic compounds including formaldehyde and benzene. These chemicals, used in the construction of the space station were trapped, unable to circulate. After the foliage plants were introduced, tests showed that the air quality had improved and the symptoms reported by the crew had disappeared.
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