MSFC Skylab Operations Support Summary

The Skylab mission began May 14, 1973, with the launch of SL-1 and ended February 8, 1974, with SL-4 splashdown. During this time, the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC)was the actionee of 1,882 actions in addition to performing daily routine mission support activities. Almost 200 significant problems were identified during the mission that required thorough investigation and in cases hardware modification to be provided for the next manned mission phase. Approximately 1,400 civil service and contractor personnel had permanent access to the 10,000 square foot HOSC in Building 4663 and three adjacent trailers. All other support was from remote permanent work stations. Around 300 personnel per shift, 3 shifts per day, were in the HOSC during the entire mission. This operations report is a summary of the actions and problems MSFC encountered, together with procedures and staffing required to provide the mission support role. This report has been prepared as a reference for future operations planning as well as an evaluation report for the Skylab mission.