Watch NASA Video Collection: Skylab - The First 40 Days

NASA Video Collection: Skylab - The First 40 Days is a fascinating documentary that chronicles the first 40 days of the Skylab mission, a pioneering space program launched by NASA in the early 1970s. The movie features rare footage and interviews with the astronauts who worked on the project, as well as with the ground crew and scientists who supported them.

The film is divided into three parts, each of which provides a different perspective on the Skylab mission. The first part focuses on the launch and deployment of the space station, which took place on May 14, 1973. The crew of Skylab included Commander Charles "Pete" Conrad, Science Pilot Joseph P. Kerwin, and Pilot Paul J. Weitz, who were tasked with carrying out a range of experiments and observations to study the effects of long-term spaceflight on humans.

The second part of the film explores life onboard the Skylab station, which consisted of a series of interconnected modules that provided living quarters, a laboratory, and a docking area for spacecraft. Special attention is given to the daily routines of the astronauts, who had to adapt to the challenges of living in a weightless environment and performing tasks in space suits.

The third and final part of the movie focuses on the successful recovery of the Skylab station, which had suffered major damage during launch and required extensive repairs. The film includes thrilling footage of the crew making crucial repairs to the solar panel system and other critical components of the station, as well as the nail-biting moments leading up to the final recovery of Skylab on July 11, 1979.

Throughout the movie, viewers are treated to a wealth of insights and anecdotes from the astronauts themselves, who reflect on the challenges and rewards of their historic mission. One standout moment comes when Conrad recalls how he and his crewmates used a spare spacesuit to create a makeshift airlock, after the Skylab station's original airlock malfunctioned.

The film also includes interviews with members of the ground crew and NASA scientists, who explain the various experiments and observations carried out during the Skylab mission. Viewers will learn about everything from the effects of microgravity on the human body to the behavior of fluids in a weightless environment.

One of the standout features of NASA Video Collection: Skylab - The First 40 Days is its use of rare, never-before-seen footage from the Skylab mission. Viewers will see the astronauts conducting experiments, working on repairs, and even performing a spacewalk to install a new solar panel system. The film also includes stunning views of Earth from space, as seen through the windows of the Skylab station.

Bettina Szabo serves as the film's narrator, providing context and commentary throughout. Her clear and concise voiceover helps to guide the viewer through the complex details of the Skylab mission, without ever distracting from the stunning visuals on display.

Overall, NASA Video Collection: Skylab - The First 40 Days is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of space exploration. The film offers a rare glimpse into the pioneering work of the astronauts and scientists who worked on the Skylab mission, and the challenges they faced in exploring the final frontier. With stunning visuals and expert storytelling, this documentary is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.