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Home / IAS Preparation / Science & Technology Notes / Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1)

Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) NASA Space Mission, Launch Date & Status

Last Updated on Jun 17, 2025
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NASA (which stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is the main U.S. agency for space exploration. It was started back in 1958, partly because the Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik, the first satellite. NASA is a world leader in exploring space, doing everything from building satellites and sending people into space to exploring other planets and carrying out advanced science. What NASA does helps create new technologies we can all use and encourages countries to work together peacefully in space.

In this detailed article, we will learn about the Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) mission which will travel to Earth (low Earth orbit), aiming to examine its operational features, onboard systems, and relevance for international collaboration.

  • Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) took off on May 14, 1973, beginning a mission that would expand the boundaries of human understanding.  
  • The missions objective is ambitious yet crucial: to Establish first US space station; long-duration human spaceflight research. This will provide new perspectives and could reshape current theories.  
  • The detailed discussions after the Uncrewed space station launch provided very useful lessons for missions in the future.  
  • People in the control room carefully watched the Saturn V (SA-513)s performance as it flew upwards. 
  • Liftoff occurred at Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A, Florida, kicking off the mission. 
  • It remained active for 6 years, 1 month, 27 days (until reentry). 
  • This mission was managed by NASA. 
  • According to NASA records, the mission was Completed (Station operated; later deorbited). 
  • With a budget of $22 billion (Skylab program), NASA launched Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) to advance scientific understanding and explore new frontiers. 

Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) introduced Orbital Workshop, Apollo Telescope Mount, airlock, multiple docking adapter, enhancing NASAs ability to conduct advanced research in deep space environments.

NASA equipped Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) with Saturn V derived workshop, solar arrays, long-duration life support to enhance system resilience and operational autonomy. This comprehensive article on NASA Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) Space mission helps UPSC aspirants understand the full life cycle of a modern space mission which is relevant for GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3, GS Paper 4, and Essay.

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NASA Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) Space Mission Overview 

Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) – Space Mission Profile for UPSC

Target Celestial Body

Earth (low Earth orbit)

Launch Date

May 14, 1973

Objective

Establish first US space station; long-duration human spaceflight research

Mission Type

Uncrewed space station launch

Launch Vehicle

Saturn V (SA-513)

Launch Site

Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A, Florida

Mission Duration

6 years, 1 month, 27 days (until reentry)

Agencies Involved

NASA

Mission Status

Completed (Station operated; later deorbited)

Estimated Cost

$22 billion (Skylab program)

Proposal Date

Apollo Applications Program studies in mid-1960s

New Instruments/Payloads

Orbital Workshop, Apollo Telescope Mount, airlock, multiple docking adapter

Key Technologies Used

Saturn V derived workshop, solar arrays, long-duration life support

Also, Checkout Sunita Williams’ Missions to the International Space Station

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Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) Space Mission Global Contributions

  • McDonnell Douglas (workshop), Martin Marietta, IBM, TRW contributed essential systems and platforms that enabled timely delivery and advanced operational readiness for the mission. 
  • Scientific data shared globally supported transparent, cross-agency research, enhancing the scientific return from autonomous exploration missions. 
  • Through Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1), NASA underscored its leadership by achieving First US space station; paved way for future stations, encouraging updates to international space guidelines. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact

International Partners

N/A for station launch (later data sharing)

Payload Contributions

N/A for station launch

Commercial Involvement

McDonnell Douglas (workshop), Martin Marietta, IBM, TRW

Data Sharing Agreements

Scientific data shared globally

Impact on Global Space Policy

First US space station; paved way for future stations
Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam

Challenges & Risk in Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) Space Mission

Despite facing technical difficulties like Significant damage during launch required in-space repairs, the mission team implemented timely corrective actions that ensured Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) stayed aligned with its core scientific and operational goals.

  • The mission had to manage critical challenges like Launch damage (meteoroid shield, solar panel); repaired by Skylab 2, which were addressed through engineering refinements and contingency strategies. 
  • Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) has a defined environmental footprint, described as Uncontrolled reentry over Australia and Indian Ocean in 1979, which reflects its post-mission trajectory and impact. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges

Risk & Mitigation Log

Launch damage (meteoroid shield, solar panel); repaired by Skylab 2

Environmental & Sustainability Footprint

Uncontrolled reentry over Australia and Indian Ocean in 1979

Challenges Faced

Significant damage during launch required in-space repairs

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Mission Timeline of Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1) NASA Space Mission
  • The foundation for this mission was laid on Apollo Applications Program studies in mid-1960s, when the proposal was first introduced. 
  • By Prior to launch, all necessary modules and instruments were in place, allowing the mission to proceed toward testing. 
  • On Not applicable (orbital deployment May 14, 1973), mission control confirmed the spacecraft’s successful encounter with its target, with all systems performing as expected. 
  • On February 8, 1974 (End of Skylab 4, last crewed mission), all core mission tasks were completed, marking the official end of the spacecraft’s planned journey. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones

Proposal Date

Apollo Applications Program studies in mid-1960s

Critical Design Review (CDR) Date

N/A

Assembly Complete Date

Prior to launch

Launch Date

May 14, 1973

Landing / Flyby Date

Not applicable (orbital deployment May 14, 1973)

End of Primary Mission Date

February 8, 1974 (End of Skylab 4, last crewed mission)

Get to Know the detailed UPSC Syllabus for IAS Prelims & Mains Exam!

UPSC Relevance of Skylab (Orbital Workshop - Skylab 1)
  • UPSC Prelims tests awareness of global scientific milestones, with NASA missions serving as key examples of technological achievement.
  • NASA’s exploration efforts, such as Mars and Psyche missions, can be cited in GS Paper 3 answers dealing with frontier technologies and research.
  • In the UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics), aspirants may be asked to evaluate whether the pursuit of advanced space technology, such as NASA’s missions, aligns with ethical duties toward humanity’s broader needs.
  • NASA’s practices in public data dissemination, environmental monitoring, and international mission partnerships align well with themes in Geography, PSIR, and Public Administration optionals, particularly regarding transparency and global governance.

Also, Learn about International Space Station (ISS)

Past UPCS Mains PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Launched on 25th December 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor space telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (2022, GS Paper 3) 

Q2. How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (2017, GS Paper 1)

Q3. The safe landing of the ‘Curiosity’ Rover under NASA’s space programme has sparked many possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them? (2012, GS Paper 2)

Past UPCS Prelims PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1 [2022]: Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in the media?

(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.

Answer: (c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

Explanation: While this question pertains to a military concept, NASAs research into orbital mechanics and space trajectories contributes to the broader understanding of such technologies.

Q2 [2020]: “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to:

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(c) Lisa Pathfinder

(d) Evolved LISA

Answer: (d) Evolved LISA

Explanation: Evolved LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a space-based gravitational wave observatory developed by ESA with contributions from NASA.

Q3 [2017]: What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

(a) To detect neutrinos

(b) To detect gravitational waves

(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

Answer: (b) To detect gravitational waves

Explanation: Evolved Laser Space Interferometer Space Antenna (ELISA) project was widely in the news due to the discovery of gravitational waves by the LIGO detector and the subsequent success of the LISA pathfinder project. The European Space Agency is leading the ELISA mission. The project is initiated to detect and accurately measure gravitational waves.

Q4 [2016]: What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(c) Space observatory launched by China

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

Answer: (a) Electric plane tested by NASA
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Explanation: GL-10 is a remotely piloted plane similar to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It is designed and developed in such a way that it can take off like a helicopter and fly like an airplane. It is a battery-powered 10-engine with a wingspan of 3.05 meters. Eight electric motors are mounted on the wings. 2 electric motors are mounted on the tail. It weighs a maximum of 28.1 kilograms at takeoff. Due to its versatile vertical takeoff and landing ability, it produces less noise. It can be used as a UAV for small package delivery or vertical takeoff and landing, as well as long-endurance surveillance for agriculture, mapping, and other applications. Its modified scaled-up version can be used as a persons air vehicle.

Q5 [2015]: The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:

(a) The limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth

(b) Regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available

(c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

(d) Search for meteorites containing precious metals

Answer: (c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

Explanation: The Goldilocks Zone is the livable zone around a star where the temperature is not too hot and not too cold for liquid water to exist on a planet. It is a metaphor for the childrens story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, in which a young girl selects from sets of three objects, eschewing the extremes (such as those that are enormous or small, hot or cold) and fixing on the one that is just right in the middle. The Goldilocks zone of the Sun surrounds the Earth. All of Earths water would freeze if it were found where the dwarf planet Pluto is; however, all of Earths water would boil out if it were found where Mercury is.

Also, Get to Know What was NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission

UPSC Practice Questions on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Which of the following is Indias first solar mission set to begin in 2022
1. Solar orbiter mission
2. Gaganyaan
3. Chandrayaan
4. Aditya-L1
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Aditya L1. Aditya L1 is a planned coronagraphy spacecraft to study the solar atmosphere. It will be inserted in a halo orbit around the L1 point between Earth and Sun where it will study the solar atmosphere, solar magnetic storms, and its impact on the environment around Earth. It is the first dedicated Indian mission to observe Sun, it is planned to be launched in January 2023 aboard a PSLV-XL launch vehicle.

Q2. Where will NASA send its next-generation atomic clock in 2019
1. Mars
2. Moon
3. North Pole
4. Space
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Space. NASA’s Deep Space Atomic Clock Mission has been pushing the timekeeping frontiers in space, hence the correct answer is option 4.

Q3. Curiosity rover, of which organisation, found new evidence of an ancient lake in the form of rocks etched with the ripples of waves in the foothills of a Martian mountain
1. ESA
2. NASA
3. Roscosmos
4. JAXA
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is NASA. US space agency NASA’s Curiosity rover found new evidence of an ancient lake in the form of rocks etched with the ripples of waves in the foothills of a Martian mountain. The rover has found some of the clearest evidence of ancient waters. The evidence was found at an area called the sulfate-bearing unit. The Curiosity rover has been exploring the Martian surface since 2012.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols Mission MAIA
1. It is a joint mission between NASA and the Italian Space Agency
2. It aims to investigate the health impact of air pollution
3. The duration of the mission is three years
Which of the above statements are correct
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3. The Indian Express reported that NASA announced that it is partnering with the Italian Space Agency ASI to build and launch the MAIA mission. The MAIA mission will investigate the health impacts of air pollution in the world’s most populated cities.

Q5. Which of the following statements regarding NASAs PACE mission is are correct
1. The primary goal of PACE is to study the Mars terrain
2. PACE mission aims to provide data to improve our understanding of Moons oceans and atmosphere
3. It will specifically provide insights about planetary systems outside our solar system
4. The spacecraft will be looking inward at the earth and not outward into space
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is option 4. The primary goal of PACE is to study the Earth’s ocean and atmosphere, not the Mars terrain. PACE stands for Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem, which are all related to the Earth’s environment. PACE will measure the ocean color, biogeochemistry, and ecology, as well as the carbon cycle, aerosols and clouds, which are important for understanding the Earth’s climate and ecosystems.

Q6. On which rocket was the X-37B robot spaceplane launched for its seventh mission
1. Saturn V
2. Atlas V
3. Falcon 9
4. Falcon Heavy
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Falcon Heavy. US military’s secretive X-37B robotic spaceplane launched atop SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket for the first time. This marks the seventh mission of the X-37B and the first time it has journeyed to orbit aboard the Falcon Heavy.

Q7. Proba - 3 Mission, which will be launched aboard ISROs PSLV, is associated with which space agency
1. ESA European Space Agency
2. CNSA The China National Space Administration
3. NASA The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
4. JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is ESA European Space Agency. The Proba-3 Mission is associated with the European Space Agency ESA. The mission is named Proba-3 where Proba stands for Project for OnBoard Autonomy. The primary objective of the Proba-3 mission is to study the Sun's corona, its outer atmosphere, by creating an artificial solar eclipse.

Q8. Which one of the following missions aims to revolutionize commercial spaceflight with a high-orbit mission and the first-ever private spacewalk by non-professional astronauts
1. Artemis I
2. Inspiration4
3. Polaris Dawn
4. Axiom Mission 1
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is option 3. Polaris Dawn is a mission designed to push the boundaries of commercial spaceflight. It aims to reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown and will feature the first-ever private spacewalk by non-professional astronauts.

Q9. Which company has NASA selected to launch the Pandora mission to study exoplanets and their atmospheres
1. Blue Origin
2. SpaceX
3. Boeing
4. Rocket Lab
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is SpaceX. NASA selects SpaceX's Starbase launch facility in Cameron County, Texas, for the Pandora satellite mission. The mission will study at least 20 exoplanets and their atmospheres by analyzing how light passes through them.

Q10. Which mission discovered a rare Einstein ring near galaxy NGC 6505, formed by gravitational lensing
1. Hubble Space Telescope
2. James Webb Space Telescope
3. NASAs Chandra X-ray Observatory
4. ESAs Euclid mission
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is ESA's Euclid mission. The Euclid mission has unveiled an Einstein ring around galaxy NGC 6505, located 590 million light-years from Earth. This rare gravitational lensing effect was captured by Euclid's high-resolution instruments, marking a significant achievement in the study of dark matter and the expansion of the Universe.

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Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Medieval History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Also, Read about Axiom 4 Mission (Ax-4) for UPSC

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