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Assembly, Cable Cutter, Skylab. Creator: A. B. Chance Company
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Assembly, Cable Cutter, Skylab. Creator: A. B. Chance Company
When Skylab was launched in May 1973, one of the solar arrays ripped off during launch and the other became jammed under a metal strap. The crew arrived at Skylab 11 days later, ready to free and extend the stuck solar array so it could produce electrical power for the space station. NASA had quickly gathered some tools for the astronauts to use to solve the unexpected problem. This cable cutter is a standard linesmans tool that was slightly modified for the task in space. It was probably used before the crews launch to develop and practice procedures for cutting the metal strap to release the jammed solar array. The first Skylab crew carried such a cable cutter into orbit and used it successfully during an extravehicular activity or " spacewalk" to make the repair. Transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1973
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Media ID 23877277
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1970s Air And Space Museum Nasm National Air And Space Museum Seventies Skylab Space Space Station Space Travel Spacecraft Tools
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This print showcases an essential tool that played a crucial role in the repair of Skylab, America's first space station. Created by the A. B. Chance Company, this modified cable cutter holds immense historical significance. When Skylab was launched in May 1973, unforeseen complications arose as one of the solar arrays ripped off during liftoff and the other became trapped under a metal strap. With NASA swiftly responding to this unexpected predicament, tools like this cable cutter were gathered for the astronauts' use in solving the problem. This particular linesman's tool was adapted specifically for use in space and was likely utilized before launch to develop procedures for freeing and extending the jammed solar array. Carried into orbit by the first Skylab crew, this cable cutter proved instrumental during an extravehicular activity or "spacewalk" aimed at repairing Skylab. Its successful utilization allowed electrical power production to resume within the space station. Transferred from NASA to the National Air and Space Museum in 1973, this artifact serves as a testament to human ingenuity and resourcefulness when faced with challenges beyond Earth's atmosphere. It symbolizes both technological advancements achieved during that era and our relentless pursuit of exploration beyond our planet's boundaries. Displayed among other remarkable objects at Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, it stands as a reminder of humanity's triumphs amidst adversity while inspiring future generations towards further advancements in space travel technology.
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