The first space station launched by NASA was called Skylab, and it was sent into orbit in the early 1970s.

Skylab’s orbit eventually decayed, and it disintegrated in 1979, scattering debris across the Indian Ocean and parts of Australia.

Before it was destroyed, it orbited the Earth approximately 2,000 times.

Skylab had about 12,000 cubic feet of space—ironically, much roomier than many later space stations.

During its launch, a solar panel was damaged, which nearly ruined the entire mission.NASA launched the space station unmanned and sent astronauts up to it later.

Adjusted for inflation, Skylab cost the U.S. government about 17 billion dollars in 2024 value.

To this day, it remains the only space station operated exclusively by the United States of America.