Introduction
Space technology has been evolving rapidly, and space stations are a clear and tangible example of that. Two of the most famous space stations in history are the International Space Station (ISS) and Skylab. While both of them are well-known, they have their differences. In this post, we are going to talk about the differences between the ISS and Skylab in a factual and unbiased way. However, being an out-of-the-world topic, we cannot miss the opportunity to make some puns.
Launch and Missions
Skylab, the first space station launched by NASA, was launched on May 14, 1973, and remained operational until 1979. It orbited the Earth at an altitude of 270 miles, and its main purpose was to conduct scientific experiments in solar astronomy, Earth observation, and materials processing.
Comparatively, the ISS was launched in 1998 and is still operational. It is a joint project between NASA, Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). It is the largest space station ever built, weighing almost 420 tons and covering an area of almost two football fields. Its primary purpose is to conduct scientific research and serve as a space environment for astronauts to live and work.
Onboard Facilities
Skylab was a single module space station, and it had a workshop, a solar observatory, and an airlock. The workshop was where the astronauts spent most of their time, sleeping, eating, and conducting experiments. It also had a shower, a toilet, and a sunshade to protect the astronauts from the intense heat of the sun.
The ISS, on the other hand, is a vastly more sophisticated facility. It consists of multiple interconnected modules that house various facilities such as laboratories, living quarters, gyms, and even a lookout observatory nicknamed "Cupola." The space station can accommodate up to six crew members and has a wide range of equipment and facilities to support scientific research.
Technical Differences
Skylab was a 340-ton station that was launched atop a Saturn V rocket. It had an orbital inclination of 50 degrees and orbited the Earth every 90 minutes. Although Skylab was supposed to remain operational for several years, it was abandoned prematurely due to the cut in NASA's budget.
In contrast, the ISS weighs almost 420 tons and was assembled piece by piece in orbit by space shuttles and rockets. It orbits the Earth at an inclination of 51.6 degrees and at an altitude of approximately 250 miles. It takes about 90 minutes to complete one orbit around the Earth.
Conclusion
In summary, although Skylab and the International Space Station are two remarkable space stations, the latter is undoubtedly a more sophisticated and an evolved station. With its multiple modules, advanced laboratories, and many other facilities, the ISS has become an important hub for research and exploration in space.
However, despite these differences, both Skylab and the ISS have contributed significantly to our understanding of the universe, and have been the stepping stones for the development of space technology.
References
- NASA. (2016, November 16). Skylab. https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/history/skylab.html
- NASA. (2021, July 15). International Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html