Medal, Commemorative, Skylab II

This artist's proof medal commemorates the second crew to live and work aboard Skylab, a U.S. space station launched into Earth orbit in May 1973. Commander Alan L. Bean, Science Pilot Owen K. Garriott, and Pilot Jack R. Lousma spent 59 days in space, from July 28 through September 25, 1973. During their mission, they installed a large sunshield over part of the spacecraft, and they conducted a variety of experiments and investigations. Although they were the second Skylab crew, their mission was formally designated Skylab 3 (the space station's launch was Skylab 1). One of a set of three medallions designed to honor the three Skylab crews, this medal became a part of the National Collection in 1974.