1973 – SATURN V SKYLAB

Master Skill
(Formerly Skill Level 5)

In 1973, the last Saturn V was launched with a special payload –
Skylab, America’s first space station. Now you can build and fly
your own 1/100 scale replica of that historic mission. Exciting
launches up to 350 feet on an Estes F15-4 engine, and spectacular
three-parachute recoveries.

Technical Information

Recommended Engines: E16-4, F15-4

Projected Max Altitude: 400 ft. (122 m)

Recovery System: 1x 18 in. (45.7 cm) Parachute, 2x 24 in.
(61 cm) Parachute

Diameter: 3.94 in. (100 mm)

Length: 41.25 in. (104.8 cm)

Estimated Weight: 17 oz. (481.9 g)

Estimated Assembly Time: 12 Hours (painting and glue drying time
not included)

Fin Materials: Plastic

Decal Type: Waterslide

Launch System: Porta-Pad E and E Launch
Controller

Launch Rod Size: 1/4"

Age Recommendation: Estes model rocketry is recommended for boys
and girls ages 10+ with adult supervision for those under 12,
and rocketeers of all ages.


Description

The Estes Saturn V Skylab is an accurate 1:100 scale reproduction
of this historic rocket and its space station payload. Vacuum
formed tube wraps and fin fairings add a textured realism to this
model’s surface. Injection molded fins are both durable and
detailed – a fin alignment guide is included for precise
placement. The detailed water-slide decals accurately represent
the markings of this historic mission. Before flight, remove the
realistic engine nozzle assembly and prep for launch.

The Estes Saturn V Skylab can reach up to 400 feet on an Estes
F15-4 engine. At ejection, the rocket separates into two sections
for recovery – the Saturn V first and second stages return
together under dual 24-inch parachutes, while the Skylab upper
section sports its own 18-inch canopy. With impressive E-engine
launches and multi-segment, multi-parachute recoveries, the Estes
Saturn V Skylab will stand out in any model rocket fleet!

History

Between 1967 and 1973, NASA successfully launched 13 Saturn V
rockets – two were unmanned test flights, nine carried astronauts
to the moon or Earth orbit, and one, the last Saturn V, had a
mission unlike any other. This was the launch of the first
American space station, an enormous orbital habitat called
Skylab.

Apollo was not meant to be a singular achievement. After a series
of moon landings, NASA expected to transition to the Apollo
Applications Program (AAP) which would have used the hardware
developed for the moon missions to support expanded space
exploration activities. AAP would have deployed Lunar Module
cargo carriers and astronaut “taxis,” lunar surface habitats, and
orbital space stations. But NASA’s funding was diminishing and
by the time of Armstrong’s “Giant Leap” the public and Congress
had lost the drive to keep space exploration a priority. Apollos
18, 19 and 20 were canceled even though much of the hardware had
already been paid for and built.

In an attempt to salvage some part of AAP and utilize the
hardware on hand, a single Earth orbital space station – Skylab –
was proposed. The space station was constructed from a modified
S-IVB stage and on May 14, 1973, was lifted to orbit by the
Saturn V’s powerful first and second stages. Compared to the
Apollo Command Module, the interior volume of the Skylab orbital
workshop was vast, with room for a crew of three to live and work
in relative comfort. Eventually, three separate crews called
Skylab home for successively longer missions, culminating in an
84 day stay between November 1973 and February 1974. Although
there were plans to keep Skylab aloft indefinitely for future
crews, unexpected orbital decay brought the massive space station
down in 1979, scattering its parts across Western Australia.