Embedded Files
Skylab Parasol Sample Employee Recognition Award
Skylab Parasol Sample Employee Recognition Award
Acquired from Facebook Space Memorabilia Group Member
Acquired from Facebook Space Memorabilia Group Member
Acquired 28th March 2021
Acquired 28th March 2021
Collection Number TSM-082
Collection Number TSM-082
Skylab was Americas first space station and was created using leftover hardware from the Apollo program. It was created as part of the Apollo Applications Program (APP). The APP program was created in the mid 60's prior to the moon landings, with the idea that the Apollo hardware would be used for science based missions in addition to the moon landings. Ultimately it was an underfunded program that did not carry on after Skylab.
Skylab was Americas first space station and was created using leftover hardware from the Apollo program. It was created as part of the Apollo Applications Program (APP). The APP program was created in the mid 60's prior to the moon landings, with the idea that the Apollo hardware would be used for science based missions in addition to the moon landings. Ultimately it was an underfunded program that did not carry on after Skylab.
The Space station was created by converting the third stage of a Saturn V rocket into a space habitat. It would be the last time that a Saturn V was launched. The launch date was May 14th 1973 when the unmanned Saturn lofted the Station into orbit. Initially all seemed to have gone to plan, but it turned out that during the launch part of the stations micrometeoroid protective covering was damaged and ripped off. This also damaged one of the solar panels rendering it inoperative and also reducing the output of the second solar panel.
The Space station was created by converting the third stage of a Saturn V rocket into a space habitat. It would be the last time that a Saturn V was launched. The launch date was May 14th 1973 when the unmanned Saturn lofted the Station into orbit. Initially all seemed to have gone to plan, but it turned out that during the launch part of the stations micrometeoroid protective covering was damaged and ripped off. This also damaged one of the solar panels rendering it inoperative and also reducing the output of the second solar panel.
Without the shielding the internals of the station were rapidly warming up to the point where equipment would get damaged, and there was a lack of electrical power.
Without the shielding the internals of the station were rapidly warming up to the point where equipment would get damaged, and there was a lack of electrical power.
A plan was created to save the station, that included cutting free the restrictions that were holding back the solar panel and a "Parasol" made from insulating material to keep down the temperatures inside the station. The equipment and training to implement the plan were carried out rapidly and launched with the first crew that went up to the station.
A plan was created to save the station, that included cutting free the restrictions that were holding back the solar panel and a "Parasol" made from insulating material to keep down the temperatures inside the station. The equipment and training to implement the plan were carried out rapidly and launched with the first crew that went up to the station.
The first crew to fly up were Pete Conrad, Joe Kerwin & Paul Weitz. They deployed the parasol, and during an EVA by Conrad Kerwin the solar panel was fully deployed. These actions saved the station and allowed the missions to continue
The first crew to fly up were Pete Conrad, Joe Kerwin & Paul Weitz. They deployed the parasol, and during an EVA by Conrad Kerwin the solar panel was fully deployed. These actions saved the station and allowed the missions to continue
The sample of material is of the same type that was used to make the parasol. It is contained in an employee presentation card
The sample of material is of the same type that was used to make the parasol. It is contained in an employee presentation card
The rear of the card
The rear of the card
This image is of Skylab in orbit. The parasol is the gold coloured section, and was deployed through a small airlock is the side of the station. The solar panels to the right are fully deployed, the missing panels would have been on the left hand side
This image is of Skylab in orbit. The parasol is the gold coloured section, and was deployed through a small airlock is the side of the station. The solar panels to the right are fully deployed, the missing panels would have been on the left hand side
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