{"id":567627,"date":"2023-11-16T18:06:40","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T23:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=567627"},"modified":"2023-11-16T18:06:41","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T23:06:41","slug":"50-years-ago-launch-of-skylab-4-the-final-mission-to-skylab","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/50-years-ago-launch-of-skylab-4-the-final-mission-to-skylab\/","title":{"rendered":"50 Years Ago: Launch of Skylab 4, The Final Mission to Skylab"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The third and final crewed mission to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/50-years-ago-the-launch-of-skylab-americas-first-space-station\/\">Skylab<\/a> space station, Skylab 4, got underway on Nov. 16, 1973, with a thunderous launch from NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. Docking eight hours later, astronauts <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/carr_gerald.pdf?emrc=a5476f\">Gerald P. Carr<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/gibson_edward.pdf?emrc=ffe4d1\">Edward G. Gibson<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/pogue_william.pdf?emrc=ffae3d\">William R. Pogue<\/a> began a planned 56-day mission that program managers extended to a record-breaking 84 days. During their first month, as they adjusted to weightlessness and their new surroundings, they completed the first of four spacewalks. They began an extensive science program, investigating the effects of long-duration spaceflight on human physiology, examining the Sun, conducting observations of the Earth, as well as technology and student-led experiments. They began their systematic observations of recently discovered Comet Kohoutek as it approached the Sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg\" alt=\"Crew patch of the third and final crewed mission to Skylab\" width=\"184\" height=\"192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg 3718w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg?resize=288,300 288w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg?resize=768,801 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg?resize=981,1024 981w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg?resize=1472,1536 1472w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg?resize=1963,2048 1963w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg?resize=383,400 383w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg?resize=575,600 575w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg?resize=863,900 863w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg?resize=1150,1200 1150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-1-crew-patch-s72-53094.jpg?resize=1917,2000 1917w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 184px) 100vw, 184px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the Skylab 4 crew of Gerald P. Carr, Edward G. Gibson, and William R. Pogue\" width=\"240\" height=\"192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg 4743w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?resize=300,240 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?resize=768,614 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?resize=1024,819 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?resize=1536,1229 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?resize=2048,1638 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?resize=400,320 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?resize=600,480 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?resize=900,720 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?resize=1200,960 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?resize=2000,1600 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the Skylab 4 backup crew of Vance D. Brand, left, William B. Lenoir, and Don L. Lind\" width=\"206\" height=\"192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg 2286w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg?resize=300,279 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg?resize=768,713 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg?resize=1024,951 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg?resize=1536,1426 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg?resize=2048,1902 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg?resize=400,371 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg?resize=600,557 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg?resize=900,836 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg?resize=1200,1114 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-3-s73-34325-backup-crew-6.73.jpg?resize=2000,1857 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px\" \/><br><em>Left: Crew patch of the third and final crewed mission to Skylab. Middle: Official photo of the Skylab 4 crew of Gerald P. Carr, left, Edward G. Gibson, and William R. Pogue. Right: The Skylab 4 backup crew of Vance D. Brand, left, William B. Lenoir, and Don L. Lind.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In January 1972, NASA announced the astronauts it had selected for the Skylab program. For Skylab 4, the third crewed mission and at the time planned to last 56 days, NASA named Carr as commander, Gibson as science pilot, and Pogue as pilot to serve as the prime crew, the first all-rookie prime crew since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/55-years-ago-gemini-viii-the-first-docking-in-space\/\">Gemini VIII<\/a> in 1966. For the backup crew, NASA designated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/brand_vance_0.pdf?emrc=e67bc3\">Vance D. Brand<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/lenoir_william_0.pdf?emrc=cbc6b1\">William B. Lenoir<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/lind_don_0.pdf?emrc=a66ef6\">Don L. Lind<\/a>, who also served as the backup crew for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/50-years-ago-second-skylab-crew-begins-record-breaking-mission\/\">Skylab 3<\/a>. Brand and Lind would serve as the two-person crew for a possible rescue mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567694\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg\" alt=\"The S-IB first stage for the Skylab 4 mission\u2019s SA-208 Saturn IB rocket arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida\" width=\"206\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg 3401w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg?resize=300,234 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg?resize=768,600 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg?resize=1024,800 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg?resize=1536,1200 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg?resize=2048,1600 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg?resize=400,312 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg?resize=600,469 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg?resize=900,703 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg?resize=1200,937 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-4-sl4-s-ib-arr-ksc-jun-20-1973-73p-379.jpg?resize=2000,1562 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567695\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg\" alt=\"The two S-IVB second stages for the Skylab 4 SA-208 rocket, right, and the SA-209 Skylab rescue rocket sit side by side in the VAB\" width=\"241\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg 3811w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg?resize=300,202 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg?resize=768,516 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg?resize=1024,688 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg?resize=1536,1032 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg?resize=2048,1376 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg?resize=400,269 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg?resize=600,403 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg?resize=900,605 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg?resize=1200,806 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-5-s-ivbs-in-vab-jul-1973.jpg?resize=2000,1344 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567696\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Image of workers in the VAB stack the second stage onto the first stage for the Skylab 4 Saturn IB\" width=\"161\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg 2699w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=768,770 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=1022,1024 1022w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=1533,1536 1533w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=2043,2048 2043w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=898,900 898w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=1197,1200 1197w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-6-s-ivb-stacking-73hc-612-jul-31-1973.jpg?resize=1996,2000 1996w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 161px) 100vw, 161px\" \/><br><em>Left: The S-IB first stage for the Skylab 4 mission\u2019s SA-208 Saturn IB rocket arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Middle: The two S-IVB second stages for the Skylab 4 SA-208 rocket, right, and the SA-209 Skylab rescue rocket sit side by side in the VAB. Right: Workers in the VAB stack the second stage onto the first stage for the Skylab 4 Saturn IB.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Preparations at KSC for the Skylab 4 mission began on Nov. 4, 1971, with the arrival of the S-IVB second stage of the SA-208 Saturn IB rocket. Workers placed it in long-term storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The rocket\u2019s S-IB first stage arrived on June 20, 1973. Workers in the VAB mounted it on Mobile Launcher 1 on July 31, adding the second stage later that same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567704\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-7-csm-118-in-msob-feb-14-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the arrival of the Skylab 4 Command Module (CM), front, and Service Module, partly hidden at left, in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida\" width=\"167\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-7-csm-118-in-msob-feb-14-1973.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-7-csm-118-in-msob-feb-14-1973.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-7-csm-118-in-msob-feb-14-1973.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-7-csm-118-in-msob-feb-14-1973.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-7-csm-118-in-msob-feb-14-1973.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-7-csm-118-in-msob-feb-14-1973.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-7-csm-118-in-msob-feb-14-1973.jpg?resize=400,400 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 167px) 100vw, 167px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567705\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Skylab 4 astronauts conduct an altitude test aboard their CM in the MSOB\" width=\"172\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg 4511w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=300,292 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=768,747 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=1024,996 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=1536,1493 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=2048,1991 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=400,389 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=600,583 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=900,875 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=1200,1167 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-8-msob-alt-test-aug-6-1973-s73-34094.jpg?resize=2000,1945 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 172px) 100vw, 172px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567706\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the rollout of the Skylab 4 vehicle from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B\" width=\"162\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg 2800w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg?resize=291,300 291w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg?resize=768,791 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg?resize=994,1024 994w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg?resize=1491,1536 1491w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg?resize=1988,2048 1988w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg?resize=388,400 388w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg?resize=583,600 583w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg?resize=874,900 874w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg?resize=1165,1200 1165w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-9-rollout-73hc-641-aug-14-1973.jpg?resize=1942,2000 1942w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 162px) 100vw, 162px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of workers at Launch Pad 39B replace the eight stabilization fins on the Saturn IB rocket\u2019s first stage\" width=\"169\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg?resize=300,296 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg?resize=768,758 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg?resize=1024,1010 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg?resize=1536,1516 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg?resize=400,395 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg?resize=600,592 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg?resize=900,888 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-10-fin-replacement-nov-9-1973-ksc-373c.jpg?resize=1200,1184 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px\" \/><br><em>Left: The arrival of the Skylab 4 Command Module (CM), front, and Service Module, partly hidden at left, in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Middle left: The Skylab 4 astronauts conduct an altitude test aboard their CM in the MSOB. Middle right: Rollout of the Skylab 4 vehicle from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B. Right: Workers at Launch Pad 39B replace the eight stabilization fins on the Saturn IB rocket\u2019s first stage.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, Command and Service Module-118 (CSM-118) for the mission arrived in KSC\u2019s Manned Spacecraft and Operations Building (MSOB) on Feb. 10, 1973, where engineers placed it inside a vacuum chamber. The prime and backup crews conducted altitude tests of the CSM in early August. With the thruster problems aboard the Skylab 3 spacecraft docked to the space station, managers accelerated the processing flow for the Skylab 4 vehicle to enable a launch as early as Sept. 9 in case they had to implement a rescue mission. Workers mated CSM-118 to the Saturn rocket on Aug. 10 and rolled the stack to Launch Pad 39B four days later. By this time, the need for a rescue had diminished and the processing flow readjusted to enable a launch on need within nine days until the Skylab 3 splashdown on Sept. 25. Normal processing then resumed for a planned Nov. 9 launch, later adjusted to Nov. 11. Carr, Gibson, and Pogue entered their preflight health stabilization plan quarantine on Oct. 20. On Nov. 6, workers found hairline cracks in the mounting brackets of the Saturn IB\u2019s stabilizing fins, requiring a slip of the launch date to Nov. 16 to complete their replacement at the pad. The Skylab 4 countdown began on Nov. 14, the day after the astronauts arrived at KSC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Skylab 4 astronauts William R. Pogue, left, Edward G. Gibson, and Gerald P. Carr training in the Skylab training mockup\" width=\"206\" height=\"142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg 3475w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg?resize=300,208 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg?resize=768,531 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg?resize=1024,708 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg?resize=1536,1063 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg?resize=2048,1417 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg?resize=400,277 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg?resize=600,415 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg?resize=900,623 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg?resize=1200,830 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-11-73h-1006-crew-train-at-jsc-feb-1973.jpg?resize=2000,1384 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567712\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Gibson, left, Carr, and Pogue display a model of the Skylab space station at the conclusion of their preflight press conference\" width=\"201\" height=\"142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg 3676w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg?resize=300,212 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg?resize=768,543 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg?resize=1024,725 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg?resize=1536,1087 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg?resize=2048,1449 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg?resize=400,283 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg?resize=600,425 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg?resize=900,637 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg?resize=1200,849 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-12-preflt-presser-jsc-oct-3-1973.jpg?resize=2000,1415 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 201px) 100vw, 201px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567713\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Gibson, left, Carr, and Pogue pose in front of a T-38 Talon aircraft at Ellington Air Force Base in Houston prior to their departure for NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the launch\" width=\"200\" height=\"142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg 4546w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg?resize=300,212 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg?resize=768,542 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg?resize=1024,723 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg?resize=1536,1085 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg?resize=2048,1446 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg?resize=400,282 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg?resize=600,424 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg?resize=900,636 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg?resize=1200,847 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-13-crew-departure-ellington-nov-12-1973-s73-36766.jpg?resize=2000,1412 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><br><em>Left: Skylab 4 astronauts William R. Pogue, left, Edward G. Gibson, and Gerald P. Carr training in the Skylab training mockup. Middle: Gibson, left, Carr, and Pogue display a model of the Skylab space station at the conclusion of their preflight press conference. Right: Gibson, left, Carr, and Pogue pose in front of a T-38 Talon aircraft at Ellington Air Force Base in Houston prior to their departure for NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the launch.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567715\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Skylab 4 astronauts William R. Pogue, left, Edward G. Gibson, and Gerald P. Carr enjoy the traditional prelaunch breakfast\" width=\"301\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg 3003w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=768,511 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1024,682 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1536,1022 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=2048,1363 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=400,266 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=600,399 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=900,599 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1200,799 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-14-73hc-893-prelaunch-breakfast-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=2000,1331 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567716\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Carr, Gibson, and Pogue test the pressure integrity of their spacesuits before launch\" width=\"135\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg 3610w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=203,300 203w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=768,1136 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=692,1024 692w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1038,1536 1038w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1384,2048 1384w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=270,400 270w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=405,600 405w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=608,900 608w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=811,1200 811w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-15-73hc-suiting-up-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1352,2000 1352w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 135px) 100vw, 135px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567717\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Carr, front, Gibson, and Pogue exit crew quarters to board the transfer van for the ride to Launch Pad 39B\" width=\"173\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg 2685w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=259,300 259w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=768,888 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=885,1024 885w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1328,1536 1328w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1770,2048 1770w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=346,400 346w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=519,600 519w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=778,900 778w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1037,1200 1037w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-16-73pc-725-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1729,2000 1729w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 173px) 100vw, 173px\" \/><br><em>Left: Skylab 4 astronauts William R. Pogue, left, Edward G. Gibson, and Gerald P. Carr enjoy the traditional prelaunch breakfast. Middle: Carr, front, Gibson, and Pogue test the pressure integrity of their spacesuits before launch. Right: Carr, front, Gibson, and Pogue exit crew quarters to board the transfer van for the ride to Launch Pad 39B.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567718\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Liftoff of Skylab 4\" width=\"624\" height=\"288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg 7327w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=300,139 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=768,355 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1024,473 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1536,709 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=2048,946 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=400,185 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=600,277 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=900,416 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=1200,554 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-17-s73-37286-nov-16-1973.jpg?resize=2000,924 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><br><em>Liftoff of Skylab 4!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The third and final mission to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/skylab-america-s-first-space-station\">Skylab<\/a> space station got underway on Nov. 16, 1973, with a thunderous liftoff from KSC\u2019s Launch Pad 39B. Although officially planned as a 56-day mission for several years, mission managers had confidence of an extension to 84 days and planned accordingly, with the astronauts bringing additional food, supplies, and science experiments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567719\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-18-skylab-on-approach-sl04-190-6973.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Skylab during the rendezvous and docking\" width=\"302\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-18-skylab-on-approach-sl04-190-6973.jpg 585w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-18-skylab-on-approach-sl04-190-6973.jpg?resize=300,199 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-18-skylab-on-approach-sl04-190-6973.jpg?resize=400,266 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 302px) 100vw, 302px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-19-sl4-144-4785.jpg\" alt=\"Three astronaut manikins wear the Skylab 4 crew\u2019s flight overalls\" width=\"302\" height=\"201\"><br><em>Left: Skylab during the rendezvous and docking. Right: Left by the Skylab 3 crew before their departure from the station, three astronaut manikins wear the Skylab 4 crew\u2019s flight overalls.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eight hours after launch, and following two unsuccessful attempts, Carr hard docked the spacecraft to the space station. Pogue, who on Earth appeared resistant to all forms of motion sickness, developed a case of space motion sickness during the crew\u2019s first evening, requiring several days to fully recover. This incident along with an overly packed timeline caused the astronauts to fall behind in accomplishing their tasks as they adjusted to weightlessness and learned their way around the large space station. The astronauts spent their first night in space aboard the Command Module, opening the hatch the next morning to begin reactivating Skylab. To their surprise, the station appeared to already have three occupants. As a joke, before they left the station in September, the Skylab 3 crew stuffed their successors\u2019 flight suits with used clothing and left them in strategic places throughout the workshop. Carr, Gibson, and Pogue began settling into the routine aboard Skylab, preparing meals, exercising, and starting the large number of experiments. They continued the science program begun by the previous two <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/skylab-2-mission-accomplished\">Skylab<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/skylab-3-a-record-59-days-in-space\">crews<\/a>, including biomedical investigations on the effects of long-duration space flight on the human body, Earth observations using the Earth Resources Experiment Package (EREP), and solar observations with instruments mounted on the Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM). With the prediction earlier in the year that newly discovered Comet Kohoutek would make its closest approach to the Sun in late December, scientists added cometary observations to the crew\u2019s already busy schedule. The astronauts brought a Far Ultraviolet Electronographic Camera, the backup to the instrument deployed on the Moon during <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/50-years-ago-apollo-16-on-the-moon-at-descartes\/\">Apollo 16<\/a>, to Skylab especially for observations of the comet, and used it for cometary photography during two spacewalks added to the mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567724\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-20-all-three-at-a-meal-from-video-8540.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Edward G. Gibson, left, William R. Pogue, and Gerald P. Carr prepare a meal in the Skylab wardroom\" width=\"218\" height=\"163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-20-all-three-at-a-meal-from-video-8540.jpg 848w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-20-all-three-at-a-meal-from-video-8540.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-20-all-three-at-a-meal-from-video-8540.jpg?resize=768,575 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-20-all-three-at-a-meal-from-video-8540.jpg?resize=400,300 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-20-all-three-at-a-meal-from-video-8540.jpg?resize=600,449 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567725\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-21-treadmill-exercise-carr.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Carr using the Thornton treadmill to exercise\" width=\"205\" height=\"163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-21-treadmill-exercise-carr.jpg 645w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-21-treadmill-exercise-carr.jpg?resize=300,239 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-21-treadmill-exercise-carr.jpg?resize=400,319 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-21-treadmill-exercise-carr.jpg?resize=600,478 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-22-bmmd-carr.jpg\" alt=\"Carr \u201cweighs\u201d himself in weightlessness using the body mass measurement device\" width=\"186\" height=\"163\"><br><em>Left: Edward G. Gibson, left, William R. Pogue, and Gerald P. Carr prepare a meal in the Skylab wardroom. Middle: Carr uses the Thornton treadmill to exercise. Right: Carr \u201cweighs\u201d himself in weightlessness using the body mass measurement device.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the lessons learned from the first two Skylab missions indicated that the onboard bicycle ergometer alone did not provide enough exercise to maintain leg and back muscle mass and strength. To remedy this problem, physician and Skylab support astronaut <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/thornton_william_0.pdf?emrc=0b45f7\">Dr. William E. Thornton<\/a> designed a makeshift treadmill that the third crew brought with them to the station. The treadmill device consisted of a teflon-coated aluminum plate bolted to the floor of the workshop. Bungee cords attached to the floor and to the ergometer harness supplied the downward force for the back and leg muscles with the astronauts sliding over the teflon-coated plate while walking or jogging in stocking feet. Because the exercise provided quite a strenuous workout, the crew dubbed it \u201cThornton\u2019s revenge.\u201d They also increased the overall amount of time they spent exercising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567727\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-23-eva1-pogue.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of William R. Pogue replaces film in the Apollo Telescope Mount during the mission\u2019s first spacewalk\" width=\"233\" height=\"175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-23-eva1-pogue.jpg 964w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-23-eva1-pogue.jpg?resize=300,224 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-23-eva1-pogue.jpg?resize=768,574 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-23-eva1-pogue.jpg?resize=400,299 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-23-eva1-pogue.jpg?resize=600,448 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-23-eva1-pogue.jpg?resize=900,672 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 233px) 100vw, 233px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567728\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-24-carr-flying-amu-s74-17305.jpg\" alt=\"Gerald P. Carr flies the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit\" width=\"113\" height=\"175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-24-carr-flying-amu-s74-17305.jpg?resize=195,300 195w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-24-carr-flying-amu-s74-17305.jpg?resize=1000,1536 1000w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-24-carr-flying-amu-s74-17305.jpg?resize=586,900 586w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 113px) 100vw, 113px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567729\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg\" alt=\"Overall view showing the large volume of the Skylab Orbital Workshop\" width=\"262\" height=\"175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg 2949w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg?resize=768,511 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg?resize=1024,681 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg?resize=1536,1022 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg?resize=2048,1363 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg?resize=400,266 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg?resize=600,399 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg?resize=900,599 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg?resize=1200,798 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-25-view-of-ows-from-the-dome-sl4-150-5062.jpg?resize=2000,1331 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 262px) 100vw, 262px\" \/><br><em>Left: William R. Pogue replaces film in the Apollo Telescope Mount during the mission\u2019s first spacewalk. Middle: Gerald P. Carr flies the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit. Right: Overall view showing the large volume of the Skylab Orbital Workshop.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the heavy science experiment load, the astronauts spent the first week in orbit preparing for the first spacewalk of the mission. On Nov. 22, their seventh day in space and also Thanksgiving Day, Gibson and Pogue suited up and stepped outside the space station with Gibson exclaiming, \u201cBoy, if this isn\u2019t the great outdoors.\u201d During this six-hour 33-minute spacewalk, they replaced film canisters in the ATM and deployed an experiment package on the ATM truss. They took photographs with a camera that had originally been intended for the airlock now blocked by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/skylab-2-we-can-fix-anything\">sunshade<\/a> that the first crew deployed in May to help cool the station. Gibson and Pogue accomplished all the tasks planned for this first spacewalk. Back inside the station, the astronauts settled in for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/thanksgiving-celebrations-in-space-2\/\">first Thanksgiving meal in space<\/a>. For their dinner, Carr selected prime rib, Gibson went with traditional turkey, and Pogue chose chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567731\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg\" alt=\"The S-IB first stage for Saturn-IB SA-209, the Skylab 4 rescue mission, arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center\" width=\"250\" height=\"193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg 2836w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg?resize=300,232 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg?resize=768,594 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg?resize=1024,792 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg?resize=1536,1188 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg?resize=2048,1584 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg?resize=400,309 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg?resize=600,464 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg?resize=900,696 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg?resize=1200,928 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-26-73p-510-rescue-vehicle-s-ib-arr-ksc-aug-20-1973.jpg?resize=2000,1547 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567732\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the S-IVB second stage for SA-209 inside the VAB\" width=\"130\" height=\"193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg 1921w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg?resize=202,300 202w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg?resize=768,1143 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg?resize=688,1024 688w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg?resize=1032,1536 1032w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg?resize=1376,2048 1376w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg?resize=269,400 269w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg?resize=403,600 403w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg?resize=605,900 605w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg?resize=806,1200 806w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-27-s-ivb-209-in-vab-nov-1973.jpg?resize=1344,2000 1344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 130px) 100vw, 130px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567733\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Workers stack the Command and Service Module CSM-119, the Skylab 4 rescue spacecraft, atop SA-209\" width=\"151\" height=\"193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg 2208w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg?resize=235,300 235w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg?resize=768,981 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg?resize=801,1024 801w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg?resize=1202,1536 1202w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg?resize=1603,2048 1603w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg?resize=313,400 313w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg?resize=470,600 470w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg?resize=704,900 704w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg?resize=939,1200 939w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-28-73p-677-rescue-vehicle-stacking-nov-20-1973.jpg?resize=1565,2000 1565w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 151px) 100vw, 151px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567734\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg\" alt=\"Image of the Skylab 4 rescue vehicle at Launch Pad 39B\" width=\"127\" height=\"193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg 3195w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg?resize=198,300 198w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg?resize=768,1166 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg?resize=675,1024 675w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg?resize=1012,1536 1012w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg?resize=1349,2048 1349w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg?resize=264,400 264w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg?resize=395,600 395w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg?resize=593,900 593w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg?resize=791,1200 791w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-29-73hc-866-rescue-vehicle-at-pad-dec-3-1973.jpg?resize=1318,2000 1318w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 127px) 100vw, 127px\" \/><br><em>Left: The S-IB first stage for Saturn-IB SA-209, the Skylab 4 rescue mission, arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center. Middle left: The S-IVB second stage for SA-209 inside the VAB. Middle right: Workers stack the Command and Service Module CSM-119, the Skylab 4 rescue spacecraft, atop SA-209. Right: The Skylab 4 rescue vehicle at Launch Pad 39B.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The inclusion of two docking ports on the Skylab space station enabled an in-flight rescue capability for the first time in human spaceflight history. In case a failure of the docked CSM stranded the onboard three-person crew, a two-person crew would launch in a second Apollo spacecraft specially configured with two extra couches to return all five astronauts. For the first two Skylab missions, the rocket and spacecraft for the subsequent mission served as the potential rescue vehicle. The failure of two Service Module thruster groups during Skylab 3 nearly required the rescue capability. Since Skylab 4 was the final mission, NASA procured an additional Saturn IB rocket, SA-209, and Apollo spacecraft, CSM-119, for the rescue role. The spacecraft arrived at KSC on May 2, 1973, and workers placed it in storage in the MSOB. In September, the backup crew of Brand, Lenoir, and Lind completed altitude chamber tests with the CSM, although only Brand and Lenoir would fly any the rescue mission. The S-IVB second stage for Saturn IB SA-209 arrived at KSC on Jan. 12, 1972, and workers placed it in storage in the VAB. The S-IB first stage arrived on Aug. 20, 1973. Because only one Mobile Launcher included the milkstool to launch a Saturn IB, assembly of the rescue vehicle had to await its return from the launch pad the day after the Skylab 4 liftoff. Assembly of the rocket in the VAB began on Nov. 26, and workers topped the rocket off with the spacecraft four days later. The stacked vehicle rolled out to Launch Pad 39B on Dec. 3 where engineers prepared the vehicle so that after Dec. 20, it could support a launch within nine days, should the need arise. The vehicle remained at the pad until Feb. 14, 1974, six days after the Skylab 4 splashdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567735\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-30-lbnp.jpg\" alt=\"Gerald P. Carr monitors Edward G. Gibson during a lower body negative pressure test of his cardiovascular system\" width=\"204\" height=\"151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-30-lbnp.jpg 974w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-30-lbnp.jpg?resize=300,222 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-30-lbnp.jpg?resize=768,568 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-30-lbnp.jpg?resize=400,296 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-30-lbnp.jpg?resize=600,444 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-30-lbnp.jpg?resize=900,665 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567736\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-31-ergometer-gibson.jpg\" alt=\"Gibson works out on the bicycle ergometer during a test of his cardiopulmonary function\" width=\"204\" height=\"151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-31-ergometer-gibson.jpg 971w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-31-ergometer-gibson.jpg?resize=300,222 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-31-ergometer-gibson.jpg?resize=768,569 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-31-ergometer-gibson.jpg?resize=400,297 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-31-ergometer-gibson.jpg?resize=600,445 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-31-ergometer-gibson.jpg?resize=900,667 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567737\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-32-rotating-chair-gibson.jpg\" alt=\"Gibson in the rotating chair to test his vestibular system\" width=\"200\" height=\"151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-32-rotating-chair-gibson.jpg 953w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-32-rotating-chair-gibson.jpg?resize=300,227 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-32-rotating-chair-gibson.jpg?resize=768,580 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-32-rotating-chair-gibson.jpg?resize=400,302 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-32-rotating-chair-gibson.jpg?resize=600,453 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-32-rotating-chair-gibson.jpg?resize=900,680 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><br><em>Left: Gerald P. Carr monitors Edward G. Gibson during a lower body negative pressure test of his cardiovascular system. Middle: Gibson works out on the bicycle ergometer during a test of his cardiopulmonary function. Right: Gibson in the rotating chair to test his vestibular system.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To add to their packed timeline, one of the station\u2019s three control moment gyros (CMGs) failed the day after the first spacewalk. Skylab used CMGs to control the station\u2019s attitude without expending precious attitude control gas, a non-renewable resource heavily depleted early in the station\u2019s life. Engineers on the ground worked out a plan to control the station\u2019s attitude using only the two working CMGs, thereby enabling completion of the remaining science, especially the Earth resource passes and comet Kohoutek observations. Pogue made the first measurements of Comet Kohoutek on Nov. 23 from inside the station using a photometric camera brought to Skylab especially to observe the comet. The astronauts practiced flying the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit, a precursor of the Manned Maneuvering Unit used during the space shuttle program to retrieve satellites, inside the large dome of the workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567739\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg\" alt=\"Image of Edward G. Gibson at the controls of the Apollo Telescope Mount\" width=\"306\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg 4013w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg?resize=300,197 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg?resize=768,504 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg?resize=1024,672 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg?resize=1536,1008 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg?resize=2048,1344 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg?resize=400,263 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg?resize=600,394 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg?resize=900,591 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg?resize=1200,788 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-33-gibson-at-atm-dec-5-1973-s74-17306.jpg?resize=2000,1313 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 306px) 100vw, 306px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567740\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-34-pogue-and-carr-at-erep-panel-in-mda-150-5085.jpg\" alt=\"Image of William R. Pogue, left, and Gerald P. Carr at the control panel for the Earth Resources Experiment package inside the Multiple Docking Adapter\" width=\"303\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-34-pogue-and-carr-at-erep-panel-in-mda-150-5085.jpg 1134w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-34-pogue-and-carr-at-erep-panel-in-mda-150-5085.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-34-pogue-and-carr-at-erep-panel-in-mda-150-5085.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-34-pogue-and-carr-at-erep-panel-in-mda-150-5085.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-34-pogue-and-carr-at-erep-panel-in-mda-150-5085.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-34-pogue-and-carr-at-erep-panel-in-mda-150-5085.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-34-pogue-and-carr-at-erep-panel-in-mda-150-5085.jpg?resize=900,600 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 303px) 100vw, 303px\" \/><br><em>Left: Edward G. Gibson at the controls of the Apollo Telescope Mount. Right: William R. Pogue, left, and Gerald P. Carr at the control panel for the Earth Resources Experiment package inside the Multiple Docking Adapter.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567741\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg\" alt=\"Image of a massive solar flare taken by one of the Apollo Telescope Mount instruments\" width=\"234\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg 7883w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg?resize=300,236 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg?resize=768,604 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg?resize=1024,806 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg?resize=1536,1209 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg?resize=2048,1612 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg?resize=400,315 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg?resize=600,472 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg?resize=900,708 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg?resize=1200,944 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-35-sun-dec-19-1974-s74-23458.jpg?resize=2000,1574 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 234px) 100vw, 234px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567742\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg\" alt=\"Earth Resources Experiment Package photograph of the San Francisco Bay area\" width=\"186\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg 4077w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=300,298 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=768,762 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=1024,1016 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=1536,1524 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=2048,2032 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=400,397 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=600,595 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=900,893 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=1200,1191 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-36-erep-san-francisco-bay-area-sl4-92-337.jpg?resize=2000,1984 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 186px) 100vw, 186px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-567743\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg\" alt=\"Crew handheld photograph of a cyclone in the South Pacific\" width=\"185\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg 3884w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=768,765 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=1024,1020 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=1536,1530 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=2048,2040 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=400,398 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=600,598 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=900,896 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=1200,1195 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-37-south-pacific-storm-dec-2-1973-sl4-136-3388.jpg?resize=2000,1992 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 185px) 100vw, 185px\" \/><br><em>Left: Image of a massive solar flare taken by one of the Apollo Telescope Mount instruments. Middle: Earth Resources Experiment Package photograph of the San Francisco Bay area. Right: Crew handheld photograph of a cyclone in the South Pacific.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Dec. 13, the mission\u2019s 28<sup>th<\/sup> day, program officials assessed the astronauts\u2019 performance and the status of the station and fully expected that they could complete the nominal 56-day mission and most likely the full 84 days. Despite being overworked and often behind the timeline, Carr, Gibson, and Pogue had already accomplished 84 hours of solar observations, 12 Earth resources passes, 80 photographic and visual Earth observations, all of the scheduled medical experiments, as well as numerous other activities such as student experiments, and science demonstrations. The astronaut\u2019s major concern centered around the timelining process that had not given them time to adjust to their new environment and did not take into account their on-orbit daily routine. Despite the crew sending taped verbal messages to the ground asking for help in fixing these issues, the problem persisted. Skylab 4 Lead Flight Director <a href=\"https:\/\/historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov\/JSCHistoryPortal\/history\/oral_histories\/HutchinsonNB\/hutchinsonnb.htm\" rel=\"noopener\">Neil B. Hutchinson<\/a> later admitted that the ground team learned many lessons about timelining long duration missions during the first few weeks of Skylab 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more insight into the Skylab 4 mission, read <a href=\"https:\/\/historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov\/JSCHistoryPortal\/history\/oral_histories\/CarrGP\/carrgp.htm\" rel=\"noopener\">Carr<\/a>\u2019s, <a href=\"https:\/\/historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov\/JSCHistoryPortal\/history\/oral_histories\/GibsonEG\/gibsoneg.htm\" rel=\"noopener\">Gibson<\/a>\u2019s, and <a href=\"https:\/\/historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov\/JSCHistoryPortal\/history\/oral_histories\/PogueWR\/poguewr.htm\" rel=\"noopener\">Pogue<\/a>\u2019s oral histories with the <a href=\"https:\/\/historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov\/JSCHistoryPortal\/history\/oral_histories\/PogueWR\/poguewr.htm\" rel=\"noopener\">JSC History Office<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>To be continued \u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>With special thanks to Ed Hengeveld for his expert contributions on Skylab imagery.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-related-articles\">\t\t<section class=\"hds-related-articles padding-x-0 padding-y-3 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"w-100 grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0 text-align-left\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\"><h2 style=\"max-width: 100%;\" class=\"width-full w-full maxw-full\">Explore More<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/flag-day-2024-one-small-flags-incredible-journey\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=400,300 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=600,450 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=900,675 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">7 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">Flag Day 2024 \u2013 One Small Flag\u2019s Incredible Journey<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3 days ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/55-years-ago-manned-orbiting-laboratory-cancellation\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.jpg 424w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.jpg?resize=300,212 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.jpg?resize=400,283 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">10 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">55 Years Ago: Manned Orbiting Laboratory Cancellation<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5 days ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/55-years-ago-star-trek-final-episode-airs-relationship-with-nasa-endures\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"217\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg?resize=300,217 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg?resize=768,555 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg?resize=400,289 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg?resize=600,434 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">15 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">55 Years Ago: Star Trek Final Episode Airs, Relationship with NASA Endures<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2 weeks ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The third and final crewed mission to the Skylab space station, Skylab 4, got underway on Nov. 16, 1973, with a thunderous launch from NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. Docking eight hours later, astronauts Gerald P. Carr, Edward G. Gibson, and William R. Pogue began a planned 56-day mission that program managers extended […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":567682,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[2671,2724],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[12664,11995],"coauthors":[11996],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"50 Years Ago: Launch of Skylab 4, The Final Mission to Skylab","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/50-years-ago-launch-of-skylab-4-the-final-mission-to-skylab\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/50-years-ago-launch-of-skylab-4-the-final-mission-to-skylab\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg"},"articleSection":"NASA History","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"John Uri"}],"creator":["John Uri"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["Missions","Skylab","NASA History"],"dateCreated":"2023-11-16T23:06:40Z","datePublished":"2023-11-16T23:06:40Z","dateModified":"2023-11-16T23:06:41Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"50 Years Ago: Launch of Skylab 4, The Final Mission to Skylab\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/50-years-ago-launch-of-skylab-4-the-final-mission-to-skylab\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2023-11-16T23:06:40Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"NASA History\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"Missions,Skylab,NASA History\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"John Uri\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":12,"time_ago":"7 months","featured_image":{"id":567682,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206.jpg","title":"skylab-4-launch-2-crew-photo-s73-33206","alt":"Photo of the Skylab 4 crew of Gerald P. Carr, Edward G. Gibson, and William R. Pogue","caption":"Official photo of the Skylab 4 crew of Gerald P. Carr, left, Edward G. Gibson, and William R. Pogue"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/567627"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/74"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=567627"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/567627\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":571524,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/567627\/revisions\/571524"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/567682"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=567627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=567627"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=567627"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=567627"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=567627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}