2024.07.10 | Ariane 6’s first flight — Skylab’s last stand

On The Space Show for Wednesday, 10 July 2024:

Ariane 6 launched:

The successful inaugural flight of Europe’s newest and largest launch vehicle, Ariane 6.

International Space Station de-orbit vehicle contract awarded to SpaceX:

The ISS is scheduled to be de-orbited in 2030.

The Rise and Fall of Skylab:

On the 45th anniversary of the fall of Skylab, physician-astronaut Joe Kerwin in conversation with the late Peter Aylward, describes how he and his Skylab 2 crewmates saved the damaged space station. The feature includes contemporary commentary by legendary NASA flight director Gene Kranz and the BBC’s Alistair Cooke (Letter from America).