Skylab Restoration Project Needs Your Help
Reader note: “The original temporary weather coverings have failed and Skylab has suffered the effects of rain, sun, wind, plants, dust/dirt, mold, animals and vandals. Right now the Skylab artifact is nearing a point of no return.” [Video of damage]
In 1968 NASA ordered two identical flight qualified space stations (Skylab) built along with 3 full scale training mockups. One flight version, the 1st US Space Station was flown in 1973 and orbited the Earth until 1979; the second flight element is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum. One full scale mockups used by astronauts and engineers at MSFC during the 3 crewed Skylab missions (73-74) was on display for many years in the US Space and Rocket Center (USRC). Several years ago the Skylab exhibit was moved outside. The original temporary weather coverings have failed and Skylab has suffered the effects of rain, sun, wind, plants, dust/dirt, mold, animals and vandals. Right now the Skylab artifact is nearing a point of no return.
To save Skylab the Alabama/Mississippi section of AIAA along with the USRC has started the Skylab Restoration Project (SRP). AIAA is seeking volunteers to help save this unique part of our local history and the US Space Program. If you’re interested in volunteering for SRP please send an email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Our 1st effort will be to stabilize the situation and save as much historic material as possible. Each volunteer will be given a US Space and Rocket Center Volunteer badge (24/7 access). We hope to start work in the next 10 days. Any questions? Please feel free to contact me.
Cheers!
Tom Hancock
Technical Director
Alabama/Mississippi Section AIAA
