Skylab

Shortly after liftoff on May 14, 1973, atmospheric drag tore off the thin metallic shield of Skylab that was designed to protect her from micro-meteorites and the Sun's intense heat. The Skylab-2 crew deployed a parasol sunshield to protect the orbiting laboratory. Concern over the possibility that materials used for the parasol would deteriorate with prolonged exposure to the Sun's rays prompted the installation of a second sunshield during the Skylab-3 mission. This time, the crew exited the space station and installed a twin-pole device to position the shield over the parasol. This photograph was taken by the Skylab-4 mission.