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 mockup, used by astronauts and engineers at MSFC during the
3 crewed Skylab missions (73-74) was on display for many years at the US Space and Rocket
Center (USRC) located in Huntsville Alabama. 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 the American Institute of Aeronautics and
Astronautics (AIAA) started the Skylab Restoration Project (SRP). AIAA is seeking volunteers
to help save this unique part the US Space Program. If you’re interested in volunteering for
SRP please send an email to
microgravityguy@yahoo.com. Our 1st effort will be to stabilize the
situation and remove (save) as much historic material as possible. Each volunteer will be
given a US Space and Rocket Center Volunteer badge.
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