Skylab Skylab was America's first experimental space station. Some of Skylab's program objectives were: To prove that humans could live and work in space for extended periods, and to expand our knowledge of solar astronomy well beyond Earth-based observations. Skylab made much use of Saturn and Apollo equipment. Through the use of a "dry" third stage of the Saturn V rocket, the station was completely made as a workshop area before launch. Crews visited Skylab and returned to earth in the Apollo spacecraft. THE FLIGHTS Skylab's 1st unmanned mission May 14, 1973 The station was launched into orbit by a Saturn V booster. Almost immediately, problems developed due to vi