Skylab rescue capability.

Abstract

Skylab is an experimental manned space station scheduled to be placed into orbit in 1973. The Skylab system is to provide support for occupancy by a three-man crew for a total of up to five months. After an extensive study of various means by which rescue capability could be provided for Skylab, a plan was devised that provides coverage for those situations which are the most likely to arise. Rescue mission requirements are discussed together with a response-time analysis and the rescue vehicle configuration. The time-to-rescue will vary from 48 to 10 days, depending on the launch-readiness state at the time of a mission emergency.