Skylab Rescue

Skylab Rescue

Skylab Rescue Command Module Diagram
Mission type	Crew rescue
Operator	NASA
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft	Apollo CSM-119
Manufacturer	North American Aviation
Crew
Crew size	2 at launch 5 at landing
Members	Vance D. Brand Don L. Lind
Start of mission
Launch date	On standby August 1973 - February 1974 (Unlaunched)
Rocket	Saturn IB AS-208/209
Launch site	Kennedy LC-39B
Docking with Skylab
Docking port	Forward
Skylab rescue crew portrait (Left to right; Vance Brand and Don Lind)

The Skylab Rescue Mission (also SL-R)^[1]: iii was an unflown rescue mission, planned as a contingency in the event of astronauts being stranded aboard the American Skylab space station.^[2][3] If flown, it would have used a modified Apollo Command Module that could be launched with a crew of two and return a crew of five.^{[1]: 1–1 [4]}

Astronauts Vance Brand and Don Lind were assigned as the rescue crew, in the event of the mission's necessity. A rescue mission was considered when the Skylab 3 Command/Service Module (CSM) developed problems in its reaction control system (RCS) thrusters while docked to the station. On the ground, space vehicles were assembled to fly rescue missions in support of both Skylab 3 and Skylab 4. However, no rescue mission ever proved necessary. All astronauts visiting Skylab returned safely to Earth in their original command modules.