The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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A 1970s film covering the reparation of the Skylab module, allowing its mission to proceed as planned. Footage as follows:
the launch of Skylab from the Kennedy Space Centre, using a Saturn 5 launcher on May 14th 1973;
control room footage
George Hardy explains, using a model and the Skylab simulator, the post-launch loss of the shield around Skylab's orbital workshop
in-flight footage of Skylab
shots of Space Centre personnel
tracking of Skylab
animation of angling of module to prevent overheating and attempt to regain power in telescope mount solar array
computer facilities centre
support team wearing quarantine masks on meeting with crewmen
different devices to remedy problem with module - inflatable devices, sails, construction of shades and booms, EVA [extra-vehicular activity] solar wing salvage tools, heat testing of workshop components, testing for gas emissions; astronauts enter underwater simulator, test procedures for Skylab reparation
folding and packing of repair equipment
May 25th Saturn 1B l
Not available