Skylab: A Revolutionary Milestone in US Space Exploration

On May 14, 1973, Skylab, the first US space station, was launched into Earth's orbit. The launch was not without complications, but Skylab finally received its first three-man crew on May 25, 1973. The crew made history by engaging in a "repair spacewalk" and setting a new record for longest human space flight. Skylab remained in space until July 11, 1979, when it disintegrated in Earth's atmosphere. Today, the International Space Station (ISS) orbits Earth at an average altitude of 248 miles (400 kilometers).