Medal, Commemorative, Skylab III

This artist's proof medal commemorates the third crew to live and work aboard Skylab, a U.S. space station launched into earth orbit in May 1973. Commander Gerald P. Carr, Science Pilot Edward G. Gibson, and Pilot William R. Pogue spent 84 days in space, from November 16, 1973 through February 8, 1974. During their mission, they accomplished four spacewalks and conducted a variety of experiments and investigations. Although they were the third Skylab crew, their mission was formally designated Skylab 4 (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.