 Skylab Rescue Command Module Diagram | |
| Mission type | Crew rescue |
|---|---|
| Operator | NASA |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Apollo CSM-119 |
| Manufacturer | North American Aviation |
| Crew | |
| Crew size | 2 at launch 5 at landing |
| Members | Vance D. Brand Don L. Lind |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | On standby August 1973 - February 1974 (Unlaunched) |
| Rocket | Saturn IB AS-208/209 |
| Launch site | Kennedy LC-39B |
| Docking with Skylab | |
| Docking port | Forward |
 Skylab rescue crew portrait (Left to right; Vance Brand and Don Lind) | |
The Skylab Rescue Mission (also SL-R)[1]: iii was an unflown rescue mission, planned as a contingency in the event of astronauts being stranded aboard the American Skylab space station.[2][3] If flown, it would have used a modified Apollo Command Module that could be launched with a crew of two and return a crew of five.[1]: 1–1 [4]
Astronauts Vance Brand and Don Lind were assigned as the rescue crew, in the event of the mission's necessity. A rescue mission was considered when the Skylab 3 Command/Service Module (CSM) developed problems in its reaction control system (RCS) thrusters while docked to the station. On the ground, space vehicles were assembled to fly rescue missions in support of both Skylab 3 and Skylab 4. However, no rescue mission ever proved necessary. All astronauts visiting Skylab returned safely to Earth in their original command modules.
- ^ a b " Mission Requirements, Skylab Rescue Mission, SL-R" NASA, 24 August 1973.
- ^ Wade, Mark. "Skylab Rescue Archived 2005-09-06 at the Wayback Machine". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved 2009-04-10.
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