Retention and Application of Skylab Experiences to Future Programs

This document has been prepared to summarize the problems encountered and special techniques and procedures developed on the Skylab program, and to summarize the experiences and practical benefits obtained for dissemination and use on future programs. A total of 2,250 discrepancy reports were reviewed to formulate this document.

The document is divided into three major sections: an electrical problem section, a mechanical problem section, and a special techniques section. Each problem section is prefaced by three indices:

1. Hardware Index - Classifies the problems by type of hardware such as valves, switches, etc.
2. Problem Index - Lists the problems with the hardware resulting from design, human error, maintenance, manufacturing, and procedure factors.
3. Condition Index - Denotes the physical condition of the hardware after problem occurrence.

Thirty special techniques and procedures are identified that were either developed or refined during the Skylab program. These techniques and procedures came from all manufacturing and test phases of the Skylab program and include both flight and GSE items from component level to sophisticated spaceflight systems.