Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The multiple docking adapter (MDA) was part of Skylab, America's first space station. Three-man astronaut crews traveling to and from Skylab in Apollo spacecraft docked to the main docking port at one end of the cylindrical MDA. A second docking port on the side of the MDA was reserved for emergency use. The MDA also served as the control center for solar observations, Earth resources observations, and materials processing experiments.

Two complete Skylab space stations were manufactured and equipped for flight. One was launched into Earth orbit in 1973; the backup Skylab resides in the National Air and Space Museum. The backup MDA was exhibited in the Museum's Space Hall from 1976-1996.

NASA transferred the MDA to the Museum in 1978.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Crewed Manufacturer Martin Marietta Aerospace
 Dimensions In Frame: 19ft 7in. x 35ft x 23ft 2in., 13800.8lb. (596.9 x 1066.8 x 706.12cm, 6260kg)
 Materials Metal
 Inventory Number A19761034000 Credit Line Transferred from National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.