Skylab SL-1

Launch, orbit & landing data: Designation  06633 / 73027A Launch date - time  14 May 1973 - 17:30 UT Launch site  KSC, LC39A Launch vehicle  Saturn 5 (#SA-513) Payload   Mass (kg)  11791 Earth orbit on :    - Perigee / Apogee   km    - Inclination  °    - Period   min Flight Duration (d:hr:min)   Nbr orbits   Decay  11 Jul 1979 Reentry location  31.8S 124.4E Australia

Mission detail:

• First and only US space station to date. Project began life as Apollo Orbital Workshop - outfitting of an S-IVB stage with docking adapter with equipment launched by several subsequent S-1B launches. Curtailment of the Apollo moon landings meant that surplus Saturn V's were available, so the pre-equipped, five times heavier, and much more capable Skylab resulted.
• External solar/meteoroid shield ripped off during ascent, tearing away one solar panel wing and debris jamming the remaining panel. Without shield temperatures soared to 52 deg C (126 deg F). Launch of the crew was delayed for 10 days to develop procedures and crew training to make the workshop habitable. Repairs by subsequent crews led to virtually all mission objectives being met. Skylab re-entered on July 11, 1979.

Astrophilately covers:

Manuel launch cancel Houston.

Launch cancel KSC, Sarzin plate.

Launch cancel KSC, Metal plate.

Tracking cancel Newfoundland, signed by station director.