Saving Skylab
Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:20 am
Well many of you who like myself went to space camp in the late 90s or maybe even into the more recent years will remember the skylab mockup that once sat on the museum fkloor that you could go inside and see. The mockup was originally used to train the crew's of the skylab missions. Well for the last several years this mockup has been sitting outside near the museum and apatrently its protective covering is not doing its job it has been deteriorating badly. So there is a group working to do something about this. They are looking for donations to help preserve adn restore this great artifact. I encourage anyone who remembers this great exhibit and anyon who doesnt want to see this piece of history lost to check them out and even donate to the project. The article is below.
From collectspace.com
July 25, 2006 / 8:37 a.m. CT (1337 GMT)
Saving Skylab: The Alabama/Mississippi section of the AIAA is seeking volunteers and donations to support the restoration of the full-scale mock-up of Skylab that was used to train astronauts at Marshall Space Flight Center in the early 1970s. Previously on display in the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's museum, the simulator was moved outside several years ago, to make room for other exhibits. Unfortunately, its weather coverings failed and the Skylab is nearing a point where, if not restored, it will be beyond repair. The AIAA hopes to start work soon.
And another article
From US Space News:
quote:
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Skylab Restoration Project
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 [email protected]. 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 (24/7 access). We hope to start work in the next 10 days. Any questions? Please feel free to contact me.
If you wish to make a contribution please send a check in any amount to:
AIAA
C/O Irene Willhite, Curator
US Space & Rocket Center
One Tranquility Base
Huntsville, AL 35805
All contributions are tax deductible and 100% will go to repairing Skylab
From collectspace.com
July 25, 2006 / 8:37 a.m. CT (1337 GMT)
Saving Skylab: The Alabama/Mississippi section of the AIAA is seeking volunteers and donations to support the restoration of the full-scale mock-up of Skylab that was used to train astronauts at Marshall Space Flight Center in the early 1970s. Previously on display in the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's museum, the simulator was moved outside several years ago, to make room for other exhibits. Unfortunately, its weather coverings failed and the Skylab is nearing a point where, if not restored, it will be beyond repair. The AIAA hopes to start work soon.
And another article
From US Space News:
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skylab Restoration Project
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 [email protected]. 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 (24/7 access). We hope to start work in the next 10 days. Any questions? Please feel free to contact me.
If you wish to make a contribution please send a check in any amount to:
AIAA
C/O Irene Willhite, Curator
US Space & Rocket Center
One Tranquility Base
Huntsville, AL 35805
All contributions are tax deductible and 100% will go to repairing Skylab