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
Go to topicSkylab was launched on May 14th, 1973. This documentary focusses on the benefits gained from the mission, and from manned spaceflight in general. Topics covered include: interviews with various NASA astronauts [ Paul Wietz, Gerald Carr, Owen Garriott, William Pogue, Alan Bean, Joseph Kerwin, Edward Gibson, Jack Lousma, Charles Conrad]; the launch of Skylab, and subsequent development of a temporary replacement for the meteorite shield lost 60 seconds into the flight; the repair mission launch on May 25th, 1973; in-flight footage illustrating the damage to Skylab and its repair [including extra-vehicular activity]; various in-flight biomedical, solar science and physics experiments carried out over the three missions; general in-orbit footage of washing, cleaning, eating etc.; views of Earth, including climatic conditions, plankton and rivers; and the final undocking from Skylab, followed by splashdown and disembarking of astronauts.