Images of early interior design concepts of the Skylab main interior.
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of 11 color slides, 23 color prints, 49 digital scans, and two slide presentations of drawings all relating to early interior design concepts of the Skylab main interior. Across all medium, majority of images are duplications; all unique imagery can be found in "Skylab slide scans" within this finding aid. There is also one brochure, Skylab, produced by the McDonnell Douglas Corporation.
Arrangement:
Physical material arranged by media.
Biographical / Historical:
Skylab, the United States' first manned space station, was launched in 1973 as part of National Aeronautics and Space Administration's space program. It was made from the third stage of a Saturn V launch vehicle and served as an orbiting laboratory for scientific research over its operational life. Contributing to solar observations, biomedical studies, and Earth observations, it paved the way for future space stations and enhanced our understanding of long-duration space travel.
Before concluding in 1974, Skylab hosted three manned missions with three astronauts at a time. Within its limited space, Skylab's interior design focused on functionality incorporating multi-purpose elements to maximize efficiency. The station featured sleeping quarters, a dining area, and a scientific laboratory, ingeniously utilizing walls and floors for storage and workspaces. Its design innovations set precedents for future space habitats and influenced subsequent spacecraft designs.
Provenance:
Donald A. Gerds, Gift, 2013, NASM.2014.0001
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access.
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests