Skylab was the first space station operated by the United States, launched on May 14, 1973. It served as a laboratory for scientific research and experiments in microgravity, allowing astronauts to study various fields such as biology, materials science, and solar observations. The station was in orbit for six years, with three crewed missions taking place between 1973 and 1974. Skylab was designed to accommodate a crew of up to three astronauts for extended periods. It was equipped with solar panels for power and had a unique design that included a workshop, living quarters, and observation windows. After its mission, Skylab re-entered Earth's atmosphere in 1979, with some debris landing in Western Australia.