A description of the history and development of the Skylab program is presented. Mission objectives, launch preparations, and crew activities and training program are outlined. Skylab design and operation are presented, and research programs on Skylab are described along with ground-based supporting projects.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. PREFACE. I. SCIENCE FROM ORBIT-AN INTRODUCTION TO SKYLAB. 1. An Outpost in Space. 2. Operation Above the Earth's Atmosphere. 3. Zero-Gravity Environment. 4. Broad View of the Earth's Surface. II. HISTORY OF THE SKYLAB PROGRAM. III. PROFILE OF THE SKYLAB MISSION. 1. Mission Objectives. 2. Skylab Elements. 3. Mission Plan. 4. Rescue Capabilities. 5. Crew Activities. 6. Crew Training Program. 7. Skylab Crew Members. 8. Launch Preparations. IV. SKYLAB DESIGN AND OPERATION. 1. Skylab Components. a. Orbital Workshop (OWS). b. Instrument Unit (IU). c. Airlock Module (AM). d. Multiple Docking Adapter (MDA). e. Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM). f. Command and Service Module (CSM). g. Integration, Testing, and Quality Assurance. 2. Skylab Operational Systems. a. Attitude and Pointing Control System. b. Environmental Control System. c. Data and Communications Systems. d. Crew Accommodations. e. Electric Power System. V. RESEARCH PROGRAMS ON SKYLAB. l. Space Science Projects. a. Solar Studies. b. Studies in Stellar Astronomy. c. Space Physics Studies. 2. Earth Resources Experiment Program. a. Photography. b. Infrared Observations. c. Microwave Studies. 3. Life Sciences Projects. 4. Space Technology Projects. a. Astronaut Tools and Equipment. b. Materials Science and Manufacturing in Space. c. Zero-Gravity Systems Studies. d. Spacecraft Environment. 5. Skylab Student Project. 6. Postflight Data Evaluation. VI. GROUND-BASED SUPPORTING PROJECTS. l. Ground-Based Astronomy Program. 2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Support to ATM. 3. Earth Resources Ground Truth Activities. 4. Aircraft Underflight Support. VII. SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK. VIII. LISTING OF SKYLAB EXPERIMENTS. IX. RECORD OF MANNED SPACE FLIGHTS (UNOFFICIAL). X. BIBLIOGRAPHY. XI. GLOSSARY. XII. ACRONYMS.