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Skylab 3
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Skylab 3
Skylab as seen by the arriving Skylab 3 crew
OperatorNASA
COSPAR ID1973-050A
SATCAT no.6757
Mission duration59 days, 11 hours, 09 minutes, 01 seconds
Distance travelled39,400,000 kilometers (24,500,000 mi)
Orbits completed858
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftApollo CSM-117
ManufacturerNorth American Rockwell
Launch mass20,121 kilograms (44,359 lb)
Crew
Crew size3
Members
Start of mission
Launch dateJuly 28, 1973; 52 years ago (July 28, 1973)
RocketSaturn IB SA-207
Launch siteKennedy LC-39B
End of mission
Recovered byUSS New Orleans
Landing dateSeptember 25, 1973, 22:19:51 (1973-09-25UTC22:19:52Z) UTC
Landing site30°47′N 120°29′W / 30.783°N 120.483°W / 30.783; -120.483
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Perigee altitude423 kilometers (263 mi)
Apogee altitude441 kilometers (274 mi)
Inclination50.0 degrees
Period93.2 minutes
EpochAugust 8, 1973[1]
Docking with Skylab
Docking portForward
Docking dateJuly 28, 1973, 19:37:00 UTC
Undocking dateSeptember 25, 1973, 11:16:42 UTC
Time docked58 days, 15 hours, 39 minutes, 42 seconds

Due to a NASA management error, crewed Skylab mission patches were designed in conflict with the official mission numbering scheme.

L-R: Garriott, Lousma and Bean
Skylab program

Skylab 3 (also SL-3 and SLM-2[2]) was the second crewed mission to the first American space station, Skylab. The mission began on July 28, 1973, with the launch of NASA astronauts Alan Bean, Owen Garriott, and Jack Lousma in the Apollo command and service module on the Saturn IB rocket, and lasted 59 days, 11 hours and 9 minutes.[3] A total of 1,084.7 astronaut-utilization hours were tallied by the Skylab 3 crew performing scientific experiments in the areas of medical activities, solar observations, Earth resources, and other experiments.

The crewed Skylab missions were officially designated Skylab 2, 3, and 4.[4] Miscommunication about the numbering resulted in the mission emblems reading "Skylab I", "Skylab II", and "Skylab 3" respectively.[2][5]

Crew

[edit]
Position Astronaut
Commander Alan L. Bean
Second and last spaceflight
Science Pilot Owen K. Garriott
First spaceflight
Pilot Jack R. Lousma
First spaceflight

Backup crew

[edit]
Position Astronaut
Commander Vance D. Brand
Science Pilot William B. Lenoir
Pilot Don L. Lind

Support crew

[edit]

Mission parameters

[edit]
Days in Space
Mission
Skylab 2
28
Skylab 3
60
Skylab 4
84

Docking

[edit]
  • Docked: July 28, 1973 – 19:37:00 UTC
  • Undocked: September 25, 1973 – 11:16:42 UTC
  • Time Docked: 58 days, 15 hours, 39 minutes, 42 seconds

Space walks

[edit]
Garriott and Lousma – EVA 1[6]
Start: August 6, 1973, 17:30 UTC
End: August 6, 23:59 UTC
Duration: 6 hours, 29 minutes
Garriott and Lousma – EVA 2[6]
Start: August 24, 1973, 16:24 UTC
End: August 24, 20:54 UTC
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Bean and Garriott – EVA 3[6]
Start: September 22, 1973, 11:18 UTC
End: September 22, 14:03 UTC
Duration: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Mission highlights

[edit]
Skylab 3 heads into orbit aboard a Saturn IB.
Astronaut Jack Lousma participates in an EVA.
An extreme ultraviolet view of the Sun (the Apollo Telescope Mount SO82A Experiment) taken during Skylab 3, with the Earth added for scale. On the right an image of the Sun shows a helium emissions, and there is an image on the left showing emissions from iron.

While approaching Skylab a propellant leak developed in one of the Apollo Service Module's reaction control system thruster quads. The crew was able to safely dock with the station, but troubleshooting continued with the problem. Six days later, another thruster quad developed a leak, creating concern amongst Mission Control. For the first time, an Apollo spacecraft was rolled out to Launch Complex 39 for Skylab Rescue, made possible by the ability for the station to have two Apollo CSMs docked at the same time. It was eventually determined that the CSM could be safely maneuvered using only two working thruster quads, and the rescue mission was never launched.

After recovering from space sickness[7] the crew, during their first EVA, installed the twin-pole sunshade, one of the two solutions for the destruction of the micrometeoroid shield during Skylab's launch to keep the space station cool. It was installed over the parasol, which was originally deployed through a porthole airlock during Skylab 2. Both were brought to the station by Skylab 2.

Skylab 3 continued a comprehensive medical research program that extended the data on human physiological adaptation and readaptation to space flight collected on the previous Skylab 2 mission. In addition, Skylab 3 extended the astronauts' stay in space from approximately one month to two months. Therefore, the effects of flight duration on physiological adaptation and readaptation could be examined.[8]

A set of core medical investigations were performed on all three Skylab crewed missions. These core investigations were the same basic investigations that were performed on Skylab 2, except that the Skylab 3 inflight tests were supplemented with extra tests based on what researchers learned from the Skylab 2 science results. For example, only leg volume measurements, preflight and postflight stereophotogrammetry, and in-flight maximum calf girth measurements were originally scheduled for all three Skylab missions.

In-flight photographs from Skylab 2 revealed the "puffy face syndrome" which prompted the addition of in-flight torso and limb girth measurements to gather more data on the apparent headward fluid shift on Skylab 3. Other additional tests included arterial blood flow measurements by an occlusive cuff placed around the leg, facial photographs taken before flight and during flight to study the "puffy face syndrome", venous compliance, hemoglobin, urine specific gravity, and urine mass measurements. These inflight tests gave additional information about fluid distribution and fluid balance to get a better understanding of the fluid shift phenomena.

The Skylab 3 biological experiments studied the effects of microgravity on mice, fruit flies, single cells and cell culture media. Human lung cells were flown to examine the biochemical characteristics of cell cultures in the microgravity environment. The two animal experiments involved the chronobiology of little pocket mice and circadian rhythm in vinegar gnats. Both experiments were unsuccessful due to a power failure 30 hours after launch, which killed the animals.[9]

High school students from across the United States participated in the Skylab missions as the primary investigators of experiments that studied astronomy, physics, and fundamental biology. The student experiments performed on Skylab 3 included the study of libration clouds, X-rays from Jupiter, in-vitro immunology, spider web formation, cytoplasmic streaming, mass measurement, and neutron analysis.

The crew's health was assessed on Skylab by collecting data on dental health, environmental and crew microbiology, radiation, and toxicological aspects of the Skylab orbital workshop. Other assessments were made of astronaut maneuvering equipment and of the habitability of the crew quarters, and crew activities/maintenance experiments were examined on Skylab 2 through 4 to better understand the living and working aspects of life in space.

S150 Galactic X-Ray Mapping

[edit]
S150 instrument for galactic X-Ray mapping, sent up with Skylab 3

The S150 X-ray experiment was sent up with Skylab 3. The 1,360 kg X-ray astronomy satellite experiment was designed to look for soft galactic x-rays. Short missions had been done before, and S150 would be a longer project. S150 had a large soft x-ray detector, and was mounted atop the Saturn S-IVB upper stage. When released, S150 flew behind and below Skylab on 28 July 1973. The S150 experiment deployed after the Apollo capsule separated from the S-IVB stage. S150 had its own protective housing for the flight. The experiment on S150 ran for 5 hours, as its batteries allowed S150 to measure half of the sky. Experiment data was recorded on tape recorder and sent to ground stations when available. S150 was designed by University of Wisconsin scientists Dr. William L. Kraushaar and Alan Bunner. S150 could detect 40–100 angstrom photons.[10][11][12]

Spider web experiment

[edit]

Spider webs were spun by two female European garden spiders (cross spiders) called Arabella and Anita, as part of an experiment on Skylab 3.[13] The aim of the experiment was to test whether the two spiders would spin webs in space, and, if so, whether these webs would be the same as those that spiders produced on Earth. The experiment was a student project of Judy Miles of Lexington, Massachusetts.[13]

After the launch the spiders were released by astronaut Owen Garriott into a box that resembled a window frame.[13] The spiders proceeded to construct their web while a camera took photographs and examined the spiders' behavior in a zero-gravity environment. Both spiders took a long time to adapt to their weightless existence. However, after a day, Arabella spun the first web in the experimental cage, although it was initially incomplete.

The first web spun by the spider Arabella in orbit

The web was completed the following day. The crew members were prompted to expand the initial protocol. They fed and watered the spiders, giving them a house fly.[14] The first web was removed on August 13 to allow Arabella to construct a second web. At first, she failed to construct a new web. When given more water, she built a second web. This time, it was more elaborate than the first. Both spiders died during the mission, possibly from dehydration.[13]

When scientists studied the webs they discovered that the space webs were finer than normal Earth webs, and although the patterns of the web were not totally dissimilar, variations were spotted, and there was a definite difference in the characteristics of the web. The webs were finer overall, and the space web had variations in thickness. This was unusual, because Earth webs have been observed to have uniform thickness.[15]

Later experiments indicated that having a light source could orient the spiders and enable them to build their normal asymmetric webs when gravity was not a factor.[16][17]

Splashdown

[edit]

The Skylab 3 mission returned to Earth with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean at 22:20 UTC on September 25, 1973.[18] The crew and command module were recovered by the USS New Orleans, about 360 km (225 mi) off the Californian coast, southwest of San Diego.[18] At the time, the crew held several space endurance records including: most time in space at 59 days, 11 hours, and 9 minutes; as well as holding the most orbits of the Earth, by a crew, at 858.[19] This was the last Skylab splashdown to be covered live by American broadcast television news media, as Skylab 4's splashdown was not covered.[20]

Mission insignia

[edit]

The circular crew patch was Leonardo da Vinci's c. 1490 Vitruvian Man, representing the mission's medical experiments and retouched to remove the genitalia. In the background is a disk that is half Sun (including sunspots) and half Earth to represent the experiments done on the flight. The patch has a white background, the crew's names and "Skylab II" with a red, white and blue border. The wives of the crew secretly had an alternate graphic made of a 'universal woman' with their first names in place of the crew's. Stickers with this on them were put in lockers aboard the Command Module to surprise the crew.[21]

[edit]
  • Jack Lousma takes a shower in the station's living quarters.
    Jack Lousma takes a shower in the station's living quarters.
  • Alan Bean flies a prototype of the Manned Maneuvering Unit.
    Alan Bean flies a prototype of the Manned Maneuvering Unit.
  • Owen Garriott operating the Apollo Telescope Mount
    Owen Garriott operating the Apollo Telescope Mount
  • Garriott sleeps in his quarters, held down with straps to keep him secure in zero-G.
    Garriott sleeps in his quarters, held down with straps to keep him secure in zero-G.
  • Garriott gives Bean a haircut.
    Garriott gives Bean a haircut.
  • Garriott enjoying a meal in the station's wardroom
    Garriott enjoying a meal in the station's wardroom
  • Hurricane Ellen of 1973, as seen from Skylab
    Hurricane Ellen of 1973, as seen from Skylab

Spacecraft location

[edit]
The Skylab 3 Command Module being moved to the Great Lakes Science Center

In 1977 the command module was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution by NASA.[22] The command module was moved to the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio, in June 2010.[23][24] It took a year to plan and US$120,000 to move the capsule.[23] It is currently on display at the visitor's center of the NASA Glenn Research Center at the science center.[25]

Unlike earlier Apollo modules, Skylab ones had white paint on the sunward side to help with spacecraft thermal management.[26]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Skylab 3

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Skylab 3 (SL-3) was the second crewed mission to , the ' first , launched on July 28, 1973, at 7:10 a.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39B aboard a rocket (SA-207). The mission lasted 59 days, 11 hours, and 9 minutes, during which the crew orbited Earth 858 times before splashing down in the on September 25, 1973, approximately 250 miles southwest of . Commanded by veteran Alan L. Bean, with Pilot and Science Pilot Owen K. Garriott, the three-man crew docked with the orbiting Skylab workshop on July 29 after overcoming challenges with the command module's thrusters. The primary objectives of Skylab 3 focused on verifying the workshop's for extended periods, conducting scientific experiments, and performing repairs to address damage from the station's May 1973 launch, which had included a shield failure causing thermal control issues. The crew successfully deployed a twin-pole sunshade during their first (EVA) on August 6, lasting 6 hours and 31 minutes, which restored the station's internal temperature to habitable levels. A second EVA on August 24, lasting 4 hours and 31 minutes, involved maintenance on the (ATM) solar observatory and other equipment. A third EVA on September 22, lasting 2 hours and 41 minutes, included film retrieval from the ATM and additional maintenance tasks. The three EVAs totaled 13 hours and 43 minutes. Scientific investigations aboard Skylab 3 encompassed over 150 experiments across multiple disciplines, including using the to capture high-resolution images and data on solar flares, Earth resources observations via the Earth Resources Experiment Package (EREP) for mapping and patterns, and biomedical studies on to microgravity, such as cardiovascular responses, vestibular function, and countermeasures through increased exercise regimens. Notable biological experiments involved studying the effects of on organisms like minnows, eggs, pocket mice, fruit flies, and spiders (Arabella and Anita), which demonstrated web-spinning behaviors in zero gravity as part of a student-initiated . The mission also tested the Maneuvering Unit (AMU), a precursor to modern spacewalk tools, though it was not used in orbit. Skylab 3 exceeded its planned objectives by 150%, doubling the duration of the preceding mission and establishing a then-record 59-day for , which informed future long-duration missions like those on the . Despite initial setbacks, including space motion sickness affecting the crew and thruster malfunctions that limited docking capabilities to three of four quadrants, the mission's success validated Skylab's design and operational procedures, enabling the subsequent flight.

Crew and Personnel

Prime Crew

The prime crew for Skylab 3 was announced by on January 19, 1972, as part of the agency's selection of nine for the program's three crewed missions, prioritizing a mix of operational experience, scientific expertise, and piloting skills to support the space station's extended operations. Alan L. Bean, a veteran of the lunar landing mission where he served as Lunar Module Pilot and became the fourth person to walk on the , was chosen for his demonstrated leadership in complex scenarios. Science Pilot Owen K. Garriott, selected in 's fourth astronaut group in 1965 as one of the first scientist-, brought a Ph.D. in and research background in ionospheric physics and biomedical monitoring, marking his first . Pilot , from the fifth astronaut group selected in 1966, contributed extensive experience as a U.S. Marine Corps aviator and with over 5,000 hours of jet aircraft flight time. Bean's role as encompassed overall mission leadership, rendezvous and docking with the Orbital Workshop, and coordination of activities during the 59-day flight. Garriott, as science pilot, focused on executing and monitoring the mission's biomedical experiments, solar astronomy observations, and resources studies, leveraging his scientific training to ensure in the microgravity environment. Lousma handled primary piloting responsibilities, including maneuvers, attitude control, and extravehicular activities (EVAs), drawing on his aviation proficiency for precise orbital operations. Prior to launch, all three crew members underwent comprehensive pre-mission health evaluations, including physiological testing and medical certifications confirming their fitness for long-duration , as required by protocols. They also completed specialized training on systems, such as the workshop's environmental controls, experiment modules, and emergency procedures, through simulations at the to prepare for the station's unique operational demands.

Backup Crew

The backup crew for Skylab 3 was designated as Commander , Pilot Don L. Lind, and Science Pilot William B. Lenoir. These astronauts brought diverse expertise to their roles. Brand, selected in NASA's fifth astronaut group in , was a retired U.S. Navy aviator, aeronautical engineer, and with prior experience as a capsule communicator during Apollo 13. Lind, also from the group, was a U.S. Navy Reserve commander, physicist, and aviator who contributed to Apollo science package designs and served as a capsule communicator for Apollo 11. Lenoir, chosen as a scientist-astronaut in 1967, held a Ph.D. in from MIT and focused on Skylab's technical systems, including airlock and workshop modules. Training for the backup crew mirrored the prime crew's regimen, encompassing full-scale simulations of rendezvous, docking, and orbital operations, alongside in-depth familiarization with Skylab's , experiment modules, and scientific protocols. This intensive preparation, which included water tank exercises for extravehicular activities and command module tests, positioned them to assume mission duties with minimal disruption in case of emergencies. The team provided critical redundancy for potential medical or operational challenges while contributing to mission planning through ground simulations and procedure development. Brand and Lind further supported contingency planning by training for a possible rescue flight in an extended Apollo spacecraft. After Skylab 3, Brand, Lind, and Lenoir continued in the same capacities as backup crew for , ensuring sustained operational readiness across the program's later phases.

Support Crew

The support crew for Skylab 3 comprised six astronauts who provided ground-based technical expertise: Robert L. Crippen, Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., Karl G. Henize, F. , William E. Thornton, and . These individuals, selected from 's Astronaut Group 7, brought specialized skills in piloting, science, and engineering to assist the prime crew during mission preparation and execution. Their primary roles involved real-time troubleshooting and communication with the orbiting crew via radio from the at NASA's (JSC), including duties as capsule communicators () to relay procedures and resolve issues during operations. Support crew members also verified experiment setups prior to launch and launch, monitored real-time data streams from Skylab's scientific instruments, and contributed to preliminary of results to guide in-flight adjustments. This ground support ensured the crew could focus on executing over 150% of planned objectives, such as solar observations and biomedical studies, without interruption from technical anomalies. Unique to their contributions, the support crew performed rigorous pre-flight hardware checks on Skylab components, including systems and experiment modules, to confirm readiness after the station's deployment issues from the prior mission. Following extravehicular activities (EVAs), they led debrief sessions with the prime crew to evaluate outcomes, identify procedural improvements, and update documentation for subsequent Skylab flights. These efforts enhanced mission efficiency and across the program's three crewed phases. The support crew facilitated coordination between JSC, which handled flight operations and real-time control, and NASA's (MSFC), responsible for Skylab's design, assembly, and hardware troubleshooting, ensuring seamless integration of solutions during the 59-day mission. This inter-center was critical for addressing in-flight challenges, such as attitude control adjustments, drawn from MSFC's expertise in the Saturn-derived workshop structure.

Mission Preparation

Objectives

The primary objectives of Skylab 3 centered on operating the space station for an extended period of up to 56 days to demonstrate human endurance in space, performing essential repairs to enhance the workshop's and functionality following issues identified during the prior mission, and executing a comprehensive suite of scientific experiments. Due to thermal control problems on identified after the mission, the launch was accelerated by three weeks from the original August 17, 1973, date to July 28, 1973. Specifically, the crew was tasked with deploying an improved twin-pole sunshade to address ongoing thermal control problems caused by the loss of the shield during the station's launch, replacing a faulty rate gyro package to restore attitude control systems, and conducting repairs to instruments such as the S055 spectrometer/scanner. These efforts were critical to reactivating the orbital and multiple docking adapter for continued use, enabling the mission to achieve its planned duration and beyond, ultimately lasting 59 days, 11 hours, and 9 minutes. Additionally, the mission aimed to conduct over 60 scientific experiments across disciplines including solar astronomy via the (ATM) and Earth resources observations using the Earth Resources Experiment Package (EREP), with the crew accumulating over of such activities. Secondary objectives focused on validating the crew's ability to perform long-duration spaceflight tasks, testing the full operational capacity of the solar observatory, and collecting multispectral data on Earth's resources to support practical applications in , , and . The mission prioritized biomedical protocols to assess physiological adaptations, including cardiovascular responses, metabolic changes, and exercise regimens using lower body negative pressure devices and bicycle ergometers, providing foundational data for future space stations. Success was measured by high completion rates of experiment runs, such as achieving over 90% of planned solar observations (with 305 manned hours on the ATM yielding 175,047 frames of ) and full restoration of key systems like attitude control, ensuring no mission-critical failures and exceeding overall goals by 150%. These objectives built on the Skylab program's broader aim to expand knowledge of solar activity, Earth systems, and capabilities, while emphasizing crew mobility during intravehicular and extravehicular activities to validate protocols for sustained orbital operations.

Training and Preparation

The Skylab 3 crew, consisting of Commander Alan L. Bean, Science Pilot Owen K. Garriott, and Pilot , underwent intensive training at NASA's (JSC), amassing approximately 2,000 hours per astronaut over the year preceding their July 28, 1973, launch. This preparation encompassed multiple phases, including systems familiarization for the (CSM), Orbital Workshop (OWS), and (ATM); scientific experiment operations; and contingency drills for emergencies such as docking failures or system malfunctions. The regimen built on lessons from , emphasizing crew roles tailored to mission objectives like station reactivation and extended-duration research. Skylab-specific simulations utilized full-scale one-g and zero-g mockups of the OWS and at JSC and (MSFC) to rehearse repair scenarios, including fixes for solar array deployment issues observed during 1. training in MSFC's 75-foot-diameter tank allowed the crew to practice EVAs, such as film retrieval from the ATM and structural inspections, simulating weightlessness for up to several hours per session. runs at JSC prepared them for the 4g reentry forces, while medical simulations in the 56-day Medical Experiments Altitude Test (SMEAT) chamber tested zero-g procedures like fluid shifts, exercise protocols, and hygiene routines in the OWS environment. Crew integration exercises at JSC involved coordinated drills with the support crew and personnel to establish communication protocols, timeline synchronization, and real-time problem-solving for experiment setups and data downlink. These sessions, often lasting full workdays, ensured seamless handovers and minimized onboard conflicts during the planned 56-day mission. Health and fitness protocols included a 21-day prelaunch beginning in early to prevent microbial of the station, alongside rigorous cardiovascular assessments via stress tests and bicycle ergometry to baseline physiological responses. Physical conditioning emphasized lower-body strengthening and balance exercises to facilitate to the OWS's 6.7-meter-diameter , where crewmembers would perform daily tasks in microgravity.

Launch and Docking

Launch Sequence

The Skylab 3 mission launched on July 28, 1973, from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's in , aboard the launch vehicle designated SA-207. The vehicle consisted of the S-IB first stage, second stage, and Instrument Unit, with a modified (CSM-116) as the , adapted for Skylab compatibility through the addition of an extended docking probe to engage the multiple docking adapter's during later rendezvous operations. The countdown commenced approximately 59 hours prior to liftoff, incorporating holds of 60 minutes at T-3 hours 30 minutes and 2 minutes at T-15 minutes to verify systems and weather conditions. At T-4 hours, the prime crew—Commander , Pilot , and Science Pilot Owen K. Garriott—ingressed the spacecraft, with Bean in the left commander's seat, Lousma in the center pilot's position, and Garriott in the right seat to monitor systems during ascent. Hypergolic propellants for the CSM's and service propulsion system were loaded earlier in the countdown, following the completion of fueling in the S-IB stage on July 11 and cryogenic loading of and beginning the day before launch. No abort scenarios were triggered throughout the sequence, as all vehicle limits remained within nominal parameters and performed satisfactorily. Liftoff occurred at 7:10:50 a.m. EDT, with the S-IB stage providing initial thrust for 140.73 seconds until outboard engine cutoff, achieving a of approximately 2,303 m/s. The stage then ignited, burning for 448.53 seconds to insert the stack into a 226.3 by 149.9 kilometer (approximately 122 by 81 nautical miles) , slightly elliptical but targeted near 150 nautical miles altitude for subsequent maneuvers. Spacecraft separation from the occurred at T+10:30 (1,080.4 seconds), marking successful ascent to without deviations from the planned profile.

Rendezvous and Docking

The Skylab 3 mission launched at 7:10:50 a.m. EDT on July 28, 1973, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39B aboard a Saturn IB rocket, achieving orbital insertion approximately 10 minutes later at an initial parking orbit of 122 by 81 nautical miles (226.3 by 149.9 km). The crew—Commander Alan L. Bean, Pilot Jack R. Lousma, and Science Pilot Owen K. Garriott—began the rendezvous sequence shortly after, relying on ground-based radar tracking from the Manned Space Flight Network and onboard navigation using the Apollo command module's sextant for visual sightings of the Skylab station, which became visible after roughly seven hours in orbit. This approach marked the first reuse of a crewed space station, with the Apollo spacecraft targeting Skylab's axial docking port on the multiple docking adapter. The rendezvous followed a standard five-maneuver profile over the first five orbits to achieve coellipticity and close proximity with , orbiting at approximately 228 by 238 nautical miles (423 by 441 km). Key burns included two phasing maneuvers to adjust the and catch up—Phasing 1 at 9:26 a.m. EDT with a delta-v of 221.1 feet per second using the service propulsion system, and Phasing 2 at 11:42 a.m. EDT with 158 feet per second—followed by a corrective combination burn at 12:28 p.m. EDT (29.6 feet per second) to refine the trajectory. The terminal phase began with a coelliptic burn at 1:05 p.m. EDT (19.2 feet per second), narrowing the distance to about 7.5 nautical miles, then a terminal phase initiation burn at 2:21 p.m. EDT (20.9 feet per second via thrusters), and finalization at 2:55 p.m. EDT (27.3 feet per second). These terminal maneuvers, totaling around 1.5 meters per second in delta-v, positioned the for station-keeping approximately 200 feet below . A significant challenge arose early when, shortly after orbital insertion, the command and service module's forward Quad C developed a leak, forcing its isolation and leaving only three of four thruster quads operational for attitude control and fine maneuvering. The crew, untrained for this contingency, adapted by performing manual calculations with a handheld calculator to verify approach velocities and trajectories, ensuring the rendezvous proceeded without delay. Despite the reduced redundancy, Lousma executed the final approach manually, station-keeping at 200 feet for visual alignment before initiating contact. At 3:28 p.m. EDT, the Apollo captured Skylab's in the probe-and-drogue docking mechanism, followed by retraction to achieve a hard at 3:38:50 p.m. EDT, about 8 hours and 31 minutes after launch. integrity checks confirmed a secure seal between the vehicles, with equalized cabin pressures of 5.3 psi and 71% oxygen. Approximately two hours later, at 5:43 p.m. EDT, opened the docking tunnel hatch, allowing the to transfer into after activating initial station systems and stowing equipment. This transfer initiated the 59-day occupation, with the spending their first night in the command module before fully relocating.

Orbital Operations

Timeline and Duration

Skylab 3 launched on July 28, 1973, aboard a rocket from , with a planned mission duration of 56 days to more than double the previous residency and conduct extended scientific observations. Following a successful review of medical data indicating crew resilience for longer stays, extended the mission to 59 days, culminating in on September 25, 1973, at 250 miles southwest of after 59 days, 11 hours, 9 minutes, and 4 seconds in space. This extension allowed completion of 150% of planned objectives, including over 1,000 hours of experiment time. The crew operated in a near-circular at an altitude of approximately 440 kilometers and a 50-degree inclination, enabling broad coverage for resources and solar observations while completing 858 orbits. This orbital regime supported roughly 14.5 orbits per day, with the station's attitude maintained primarily in solar-inertial mode to align experiments with the Sun. The mission's chronological phases began with days 1 and 2 dedicated to rendezvous, docking eight hours after launch, and initial station activation, including crew recovery from space . From days 3 through 56, the primary focus shifted to orbital operations, encompassing biomedical monitoring, astrophysics , and maintenance activities, punctuated by three extravehicular activities on mission days 10, 28, and 57. The concluding phase, days 57 to 59, involved final experiment closeouts, undocking preparations, and reentry planning to ensure a safe return. Daily routines aboard Skylab 3 featured 16-hour work periods to maximize productivity, incorporating scheduled meals, exercise, and experiment execution, followed by 8 hours of sleep shifted across crew members to maintain continuous operations. These schedules were periodically adjusted to accommodate the orbital geometry and solar-pointing constraints essential for key observations, such as those from the .

Workshop Maintenance and Repairs

Upon docking with the Orbital Workshop on July 29, 1973, the Skylab 3 crew conducted initial internal assessments of the station's systems, including visual and functional inspections of the shield area, which had sustained damage during the Skylab launch on May 14, 1973, leading to thermal control challenges. These evaluations, performed during workshop activation on mission days 2 through 4, confirmed the stability of the temporary parasol shield deployed by the previous crew but identified ongoing thermal imbalances and the need for enhancements to maintain and experiment operations. Key repairs included the activation and management of the control moment gyros (CMGs) for attitude control, where the crew addressed the failure of CMG 1 and abnormal performance in CMG 2 through momentum dumps, software updates, and repositioning maneuvers to ensure orbital stability despite reduced redundancy. Additionally, during an EVA-assisted procedure, the crew deployed a larger twin-pole sunshade to replace the original , using poles and cables to extend the protective cover over the , which mitigated residual heat buildup from the launch-induced loss. Routine maintenance tasks encompassed filter replacements in the air revitalization system, including servicing the water/gas separator and addressing arrangement issues to sustain cabin air quality, as well as adjustments to the coolant loops, such as increasing the primary water/glycol flow rate by approximately 4% and reservicing both the primary and Coolanol loops to resolve low flow and temperature anomalies. These efforts, part of Experiment M516 on activities and , involved the use of onboard tools and procedures developed for long-duration operations. The combined repairs and restored thermal regulation and attitude stability, enabling the full schedule of scientific experiments with the station operating at approximately 70% of original power capacity from the partially functional solar arrays. The Skylab 3 dedicated over 100 hours to these tasks, demonstrating the effectiveness of inflight for sustaining a environment and informing future missions.

Extravehicular Activities

Spacewalk Planning

The extravehicular activities (EVAs) for Skylab 3 were meticulously planned prior to launch to address key maintenance and scientific needs, building on lessons from the previous mission. Three EVAs were scheduled, each limited to around 3 hours to manage crew fatigue and resource constraints. The primary objectives focused on deploying a permanent twin-pole solar shield to enhance thermal protection over the temporary installed by , retrieving exposed film canisters from the (ATM), and conducting materials exposure experiments by retrieving thermal control coating sample panels to evaluate degradation in the . Suit and tool preparation emphasized reliability and mobility for the orbital environment. The crew utilized A7LB pressure suits, modified versions of the Apollo lunar suits with reduced thermal insulation layers to suit Skylab's less demanding requirements compared to lunar surface operations. Custom tools included pole assemblies for the sunshade deployment, film retrieval mechanisms, and a material return container for preserving samples under vacuum conditions. The twin-pole parasol itself was a specialized thermal shield, consisting of two 11-section aluminum poles and an aluminized Mylar-Kapton fabric, to provide superior sun protection. Risk assessments incorporated contingencies derived from Skylab 2's EVA experiences, particularly the successful but challenging solar array repair that highlighted management and integrity issues. Potential hazards such as leaks, which could lead to decompression, or failures causing uncontrolled drift, were mitigated through redundant umbilicals, , and strict procedural limits on EVA duration and attitude stability (maximum rate of 6°/min). Pre-mission in the Simulator addressed these risks by simulating zero-gravity tool handling and emergency scenarios, ensuring crew proficiency in abort procedures. Crew assignments designated science pilot Owen K. Garriott and pilot as the primary extravehicular team for the first two EVAs, leveraging their training in complex deployments, while commander served as intra-vehicular support, monitoring station systems and coordinating with Mission Control from inside the workshop. For the third EVA, joined Garriott to alternate roles and distribute workload. This structure allowed one crew member to remain in the Command/Service Module side of the Airlock Module during EVAs for added safety oversight.

Spacewalk Summaries

The Skylab 3 mission conducted three extravehicular activities (EVAs), totaling 13 hours and 43 minutes, which set a record for the longest cumulative EVA time in a single Earth-orbital mission at the time. These spacewalks focused on station maintenance, experiment support, and preparation for mission end, building on repairs from the prior mission to ensure thermal stability and scientific productivity. The EVAs were executed by crew members Alan L. Bean (commander), Owen K. Garriott (science pilot), and (pilot), demonstrating improved EVA efficiency through pre-mission training. The first EVA occurred on August 6, 1973, lasting 6 hours and 31 minutes, with Garriott and Lousma as the spacewalkers. Their primary task was deploying a twin-pole sunshade over the existing to provide additional protection for the , addressing lingering heat issues from Skylab's launch damage. They also replaced film canisters in the () to sustain solar observations. This spacewalk achieved stable temperature control inside the station, dropping internal temperatures by several degrees and enabling full operations; it was the longest single Earth-orbital EVA conducted up to that point. The activity was delayed from its original July 31 schedule due to crew recovery from space . The second EVA took place on August 24, 1973, enduring 4 hours and 31 minutes, again with Garriott and Lousma outside. The crew replaced additional ATM film canisters to retrieve exposed solar and installed a 24-foot replacement cable for the station's rate gyroscopes, enhancing attitude control stability. These efforts supported uninterrupted experiments and minor workshop maintenance, with all objectives completed successfully and no significant procedural deviations reported. The spacewalk contributed to the mission's overall science return by securing high-quality ATM imagery midway through the 59-day flight. The third and final EVA was on September 22, 1973, lasting 2 hours and 41 minutes, involving Bean and Garriott. Focused on pre-reentry preparations, they retrieved all remaining exposed ATM film cassettes containing solar observation data and installed fresh cassettes for potential future use by subsequent crews. They also secured external experiment samples and conducted a final of the station's exterior. This spacewalk ensured the safe return of critical scientific materials, wrapping up EVA operations without incident and allowing the crew to undock two days later. Throughout the EVAs, the Skylab 3 encountered minor challenges, including the delay for the first spacewalk due to affecting all three astronauts upon arrival, which required extended recovery time before proceeding with high-risk activities. Tool handling and suit mobility proved adequate, with no reported floataways or pinhole leaks in gloves, though the extended durations tested crew endurance in the Apollo A7LB suits. Overall, the total EVA time exceeded plans, reflecting adaptive execution that maximized mission while minimizing risks.

Scientific Experiments

Biomedical and Life Sciences

The biomedical experiments on Skylab 3 focused on understanding the physiological impacts of prolonged microgravity exposure during the crew's 59-day mission, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular adaptation, musculoskeletal changes, and overall crew well-being. Key among these was the Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) experiment (M092), which simulated gravitational stress on the lower body to evaluate cardiovascular deconditioning. Crew members underwent sessions at pressures ranging from -8 to -50 mm Hg, revealing elevated resting heart rates and altered blood pressure responses compared to preflight baselines, including increased systolic pressure and decreased diastolic pressure at rest. These tests demonstrated reduced orthostatic tolerance early in the flight, stabilizing after approximately five weeks, with post-flight recovery to preflight levels within 5-11 days. Data collection involved daily urine and blood sampling to monitor metabolic and , alongside ergometer exercise logs that tracked workload and duration. The structured exercise regimen, utilizing a bicycle ergometer and isokinetic devices, helped mitigate , with crew participation more than doubling compared to , resulting in partial preservation of leg strength and reduced losses in calf volume (approximately 2-3.5% by mission end versus higher rates in prior missions). Orthostatic tolerance tests conducted post-flight confirmed improved cardiovascular resilience, attributing gains to the regimen's effectiveness in countering microgravity-induced . Crew health monitoring included in-flight self-examinations and physician oversight from ground control, with science pilot performing periodic checks akin to those led by Joseph Kerwin on . Sleep studies under experiment M133 utilized electroencephalographic recordings and subjective logs, indicating disrupted cycles due to the 16-hour workday and microgravity environment, with reduced total time and increased early in the mission. These disruptions were less pronounced than on , reflecting better adaptation. Unique to Skylab 3, findings highlighted improved fluid shift management, with less severe cephalad fluid redistribution (e.g., 2.0-3.5% calf volume reduction by day 25-27 versus 3.5-5.0% on ), validating enhanced habitability protocols for missions up to 60 days. LBNP data showed greater in-flight calf volume increases (5-11% at -50 mm Hg) than preflight (3-4%), underscoring adaptive cardiovascular changes that supported extended operations without significant performance decrements.

Astrophysics and Solar Observations

The S150 experiment, designated for Galactic X-ray Mapping, employed four proportional counters mounted on the S-IVB stage to conduct a sky survey for faint sources in the 0.2–12 keV energy range following separation from the Command and Service Module. The instrumentation featured large-area detectors with a 20° , filled with P-10 gas and equipped with windows, enabling detection of photons in the 40–100 range while the stage maintained three-axis stabilization using star trackers for precise pointing. During Skylab 3, operations were limited to approximately 110 minutes due to a gas pressure decay from leakage through the Kimfoil window, exacerbated by solar exposure, which necessitated shutdown of the high-voltage supply; despite this, the experiment successfully collected data exceeding the cumulative duration of prior rocket-based surveys. Key results from S150 included the detection of numerous sources, among them the prominent , providing improved sensitivity for faint emissions and evidence that the soft background does not originate from unresolved point sources. This marked one of the earliest extended orbital surveys of galactic emissions, identifying transient and variable sources undetectable from ground-based observatories due to atmospheric absorption, and contributing foundational data to high-energy by cataloging source distributions and intensities. Data were telemetered via three successful dumps, processed post-mission to refine models of cosmic phenomena. The (ATM), 's primary solar observatory, facilitated crew-pointed observations across eight instruments, including , , and white-light telescopes, during Skylab 3's 59-day duration. Over the mission, the ATM captured extensive imagery, with the S056 alone producing thousands of frames in the 6–49 Å range, complemented by synoptic records from other modules; rates reached up to 1.4 Mbps for , while film cassettes returned images across visible and spectra. ATM observations focused on dynamic solar processes, yielding detailed studies of flares through high-resolution event analysis and mapping as persistent dark regions that rotated rigidly over multiple 27-day solar cycles, revealing their role in high-speed streams. These findings provided the first comprehensive space-based views of coronal structure evolution, highlighting bright points and prominence dynamics missed by terrestrial instruments, and established benchmarks for understanding solar variability and impacts. Workshop repairs to the 's solar arrays early in the mission ensured sustained pointing accuracy for these investigations.

Earth Resources Observations

The Earth Resources Experiment Package (EREP) on Skylab 3 conducted multispectral observations of Earth's surface and atmosphere using cameras, scanners, and spectrometers to assess , , , , and . Key experiments included S190A/B (multispectral photographic cameras), S192 (multispectral scanner), and S193 ( spectroradiometer), capturing data over 56 sites worldwide. Results demonstrated the value of orbital for mapping crop types, detecting pollution, monitoring weather patterns, and identifying geological features, with over 20,000 images processed post-mission informing applications in .

Materials and Technology Tests

During the Skylab 3 mission, the Materials and Technology Tests encompassed experiments designed to evaluate material behaviors and technological processes in the microgravity and vacuum environment of . These tests included biological demonstrations using non-human subjects and engineering assessments of material durability and fabrication techniques, providing foundational data for future space construction and long-duration missions. The experiments were conducted within the Skylab workshop and externally, with samples retrieved via (EVA) for post-flight analysis. A notable biological technology test was the Web Formation in Zero Gravity experiment, proposed by high school student Judith Miles and selected from NASA's student contest. Two female cross spiders (), named and Anita, were launched three days prior to the crewed phase and placed in a specialized resembling a window frame. Upon activation by Owen on August 13, 1973, the spiders were released to construct webs in microgravity. Arabella initially struggled, producing a small, irregular web after several days, which was photographed and dismantled for replacement materials; subsequent webs became more structured but remained distorted and non-circular compared to terrestrial patterns, lacking the typical radial due to the absence of gravitational cues. Post-mission analysis of the preserved webs and spider tissues revealed adaptations in sensory-motor responses, highlighting limits in nervous system plasticity under zero-gravity conditions and offering insights into biological manufacturing processes in space. The experiment demonstrated that spiders could perform innate behaviors in , though with altered outcomes that underscored the role of gravity in web geometry. Materials degradation tests focused on exposing polymer samples and thermal control coatings to the space environment to assess vacuum and radiation effects. As part of the D024 Thermal Control Coatings and Polymeric Films experiment, duplicate sets of samples—including various polymeric films—were deployed externally on Skylab for exposure periods aligned with mission phases. Approximately 20 days after initial deployment, cassettes containing these samples were retrieved during an EVA on August 24, 1973, by astronauts and , who also collected additional data on external conditions. Ground-based analysis showed degradation primarily from ultraviolet radiation and atomic oxygen, with polymeric samples exhibiting reduced tensile strength—typically 10-20% loss in some films—due to chain scission and surface erosion. These results indicated that while short-term exposure caused measurable property changes, certain coatings maintained sufficient integrity for spacecraft applications, informing selections for enhanced durability in zero-gravity manufacturing.

Mission Conclusion

Undocking and Reentry

On September 25, 1973, at 11:16 UTC (7:16 a.m. EDT), the Skylab 3 crew undocked the (CSM) from the after 58 days, 15 hours, and 39 minutes docked, concluding their extended mission of 59 days, 11 hours, and 9 minutes in space. The undocking was a soft separation maneuver, during which the crew reported a loud thump and minor attitude excursions of 0.19 radians in yaw and 0.07 radians in pitch due to a procedural error in (RCS) thruster configurations. Following separation, the CSM performed a fly-around inspection of the station, capturing photographs with a 70-mm camera to document its condition, including the deployed solar arrays and any external anomalies, before maneuvering away to prepare for reentry. Reentry preparations began immediately after the fly-around, with the crew conducting final systems checks on the CSM, including alignment of the and verification of dormant systems for leaks or condensation. The service module was jettisoned at approximately 16:50 UTC, separating the command module for while the service propulsion system (SPS) executed a single deorbit burn of about 8 seconds duration, imparting a delta-v of roughly 192 feet per second to lower the orbit's perigee to approximately 50 miles (80 km). Supporting RCS burns, limited to due to suspected leaks in Quads B and D observed as "fireflies" during the mission, provided attitude control and fine adjustments, with a total of six RCS maneuvers contributing to the deorbit sequence. These actions targeted a in the , about 230 miles (370 km) southwest of , , at coordinates 30°47′N, 120°29′W. During reentry, the command module encountered peak deceleration forces of 4.5 g, transitioning abruptly from microgravity to sustained loading via SPS ignition and atmospheric friction, with guidance deviations held to 140 milliradians—within acceptable limits. The ablative reached temperatures of up to 2,700°F (1,482°C) at entry interface (400,000 feet altitude), effectively dissipating thermal energy through charring and without structural compromise, as confirmed by postflight analysis. The spacecraft's descent was nominal, with main parachutes deploying at feet to reduce to 24 mph prior to at 22:19:54 UTC (3:19 p.m. PDT). Mission planners evaluated contingencies throughout the terminal phase, including potential weather delays at the primary Pacific site, which featured favorable conditions of thin clouds and 8.2 m/s winds on reentry day. Alternate recovery sites near the Hawaiian Islands were assessed as backups should the primary deorbit fail, requiring two RCS maneuvers for redirection, while RCS limitations restricted Quads B and D to emergency use only to avoid further leaks. No delays materialized, enabling a precise orbital departure and safe reentry.

Splashdown and Recovery

The Skylab 3 command module, carrying astronauts Alan L. Bean, Owen K. Garriott, and , splashed down in the on September 25, 1973, at 22:19:54 UTC (3:19 p.m. PDT), approximately 230 miles (370 km) southwest of , , marking the end of the 59-day, 11-hour, and 9-minute mission. The landing occurred within the targeted recovery zone, close to the prime recovery ship USS New Orleans (LPH-11). The descent sequence began with drogue parachutes deploying at 24,000 feet altitude, followed by the three main parachutes opening at 10,000 feet, reducing the capsule's speed to about 24 miles per hour for a controlled impact with the water. Recovery operations commenced immediately after , with U.S. Navy divers from the USS New Orleans attaching a flotation collar to stabilize the upright capsule in the gentle seas. The remained inside the command module during the process, and the entire vehicle was hoisted aboard the recovery ship by crane approximately 42 minutes after landing, avoiding the need for individual helicopter extractions. This efficient sequence ensured the astronauts' safety after their extended stay in orbit, with the capsule's flotation stability confirmed by onboard systems and visual confirmation from recovery teams. Initial medical evaluations were conducted aboard the USS New Orleans by the ship's physician and flight surgeons, revealing the crew in excellent condition with no significant health issues, a marked improvement over the Skylab 2 astronauts who had experienced . Further assessments in the Skylab Mobile Laboratory during the ship's transit to confirmed robust cardiovascular and musculoskeletal recovery, attributed to in-flight exercise regimens and nutritional adjustments learned from the prior mission; minor was noted but resolved quickly without complications. Unlike lunar missions, no protocols were implemented, allowing prompt reintegration. The splashdown was broadcast live by NASA television, capturing the parachute descent and recovery in real time for a global audience, with the crew's post-landing communications emphasizing the mission's success in station operations and scientific objectives. Bean, as commander, reported feeling "great" and ready for future flights, underscoring the team's endurance during the record-setting orbital stay.

Post-Mission Analysis

Mission Outcomes

The Skylab 3 mission successfully met all primary repair objectives, including the deployment of a twin-pole sunshade during a 6-hour, 31-minute (EVA) on August 6, 1973, which lowered the station's internal temperatures from over 130°F (54°C) to a comfortable range of 70–75°F (21–24°C). Additional EVA on allowed the crew to replace () film canisters, install cabling for control moment gyroscopes, and perform other maintenance tasks, restoring full operational capability to the station. A third EVA on September 22, lasting 2 hours and 45 minutes, involved Lousma and Garriott replacing additional film canisters and conducting final checks. The crew accomplished more than 150% of their planned objectives, logging over 1,000 hours on scientific experiments in biomedical research, , Earth resources, and , which exceeded expectations despite initial delays from space motion sickness. These efforts yielded valuable data that informed numerous peer-reviewed publications and advanced knowledge of human in microgravity, including adaptations in cardiovascular function and . Challenges included significant crew fatigue from an intensive schedule, leading to a temporary slowdown in activities to prioritize rest and avoid burnout, as well as minor persistent thermal fluctuations in non-critical areas despite the sunshade's success. The mission's 59-day duration, extended by three days from the original plan, demonstrated the feasibility of extended and validated Skylab's habitability for the subsequent crew. By proving the station's long-term viability and crew productivity, Skylab 3 advanced U.S. space station technology and operations, contributing to the overall program's total cost of approximately $2.2 billion in 1973 dollars. Commander Alan L. Bean, Science Pilot Owen K. Garriott, and Pilot received the in recognition of their achievements.

Command Module Location

Following its in the on September 25, 1973, the Skylab 3 Apollo Command Module (designated CSM-117) was recovered by the USS New Orleans, with assistance from Navy frogmen, approximately 230 miles southwest of , . The capsule, which had traveled over 24 million miles during the 59-day mission, was then transported to the North American Rockwell facility in , arriving on October 1, 1973, for post-flight inspection, refurbishment, and cleaning to prepare it as a historical artifact. In 1977, NASA transferred ownership of the Command Module to the , where it was accessioned into the collection as a key relic of the program. The module was subsequently loaned to 's Lewis Research Center (now NASA Glenn Research Center) in Cleveland, Ohio, arriving in May 1986 and placed on public display in the by August 20, 1986. A dedication ceremony on September 21, 1986, attended by Jack Lousma and over 2,400 visitors, highlighted its role in the mission's success. In July 1992, it was designated an International Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the , recognizing its engineering contributions to long-duration spaceflight. To enhance public access, announced the relocation of the Command Module in January 2010 to the Science Center in , where it became the centerpiece of the Glenn exhibit following a carefully planned 30-minute transfer on June 22, 2010. As of November 2025, the module remains on long-term loan and display at this location, in a restored condition that preserves original features such as mission plaques, the scorched ablative , and interior components like the couches and control panels. This exhibit serves as an educational resource, illustrating 1970s-era , reentry dynamics, and the transition from Apollo lunar missions to orbital laboratories like .

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