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The spacecraft designers led by Caldwell Johnson faced a demanding task. Director Gilruth urged them to accelerate the development of the docking adapter design, aiming to have a functional model ready for the upcoming November meeting with the Soviets.
Apollo-Salyut Hardware
Present & Future Docking System
Docking Module Concept Design
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Two options were presented: Apollo docking with Salyut/Soyuz or Soyuz with Skylab/Apollo. Caldwell Johnson was taken aback by the Soviets’ eagerness to immediately pursue the development of a universal docking mechanism.
Concept Apollo/Soyuz. Credit Astronomy.com
Concept Soyuz/Skylab
Concept Apollo/Salyut
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Despite predictions, events seldom occur precisely as expected. The calculated breakup altitude of Skylab was based on its intended structural strength specifications. However, the actual vehicle was stronger than the specified strength requirements.
Mgrs. & Controllers Monitor Re-entry
Garriott with Oxygen Tank Debris. Credit David Hitt
Ground-track of Skylab final passes.
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The official decision to proceed with the Skylab reboost mission was made on September 1st 1977, initiating a two-year preparation period for the development and production of the required hardware and systems.
Teleoperator Retrieval System
Skylab Boost Mission
STS-3 Launching in March of 1982
