When NASA launched Skylab in 1973, it wasn’t just a milestone in space exploration—it also ignited the imagination of writers, filmmakers, and sci-fi enthusiasts. As America’s first space station, Skylab represented the possibilities of human life beyond Earth, a concept that quickly found its way into science fiction movies, TV shows, and literature. From dystopian space habitats to futuristic research labs, Skylab’s real-life achievements helped shape the way pop culture envisioned space stations. Let’s take a closer look at how Skylab inspired science fiction and made its mark in movies, books, and beyond.
Skylab's Impact on Sci-Fi Storytelling
1. The Space Station as a Sci-Fi Trope
Before Skylab, space stations were mostly theoretical in fiction, appearing in early sci-fi works like Arthur C. Clarke’s "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968).
After the space station, the idea of an orbiting laboratory where humans could live and conduct experiments became more realistic.
Movies and shows began featuring more detailed depictions of space stations, drawing inspiration from it's actual design and scientific mission.
2. The Survival Narrative: Real-Life Drama in Fiction
It's mission wasn’t without challenges—the space station suffered significant damage during launch, requiring urgent repairs in orbit.
This real-life crisis influenced later sci-fi stories about astronauts fixing failing space stations, seen in films like "Gravity" (2013) and episodes of "Star Trek" where space habitats face disasters.
Presence in Movies and TV Shows
1. Sci-Fi Films That Echo Skylab’s Influence
"Star Wars: A New Hope" (1977) – Released just a few years after the space station's launch, the film’s depiction of space travel and orbital stations built on the public’s fascination with real-life space missions.
"Gravity" (2013) – The film’s depiction of astronauts surviving in a damaged orbital station has parallels to the real repairs at the space station.
"Interstellar" (2014) – The circular design of the Endurance spacecraft shares similarities with the modular structure of Skylab and future space station concepts.
2. References in TV and Animation
- "Star Trek: The Next Generation" frequently portrayed space stations as research hubs, similar to how the station operated.
"The Simpsons" referenced it in the episode “Bart’s Comet”, playing on the famous re-entry and debris fall.
"Futurama" included a humorous take on outdated space technology, echoing how the space station was perceived after it fell back to Earth in 1979.
Legacy in Video Games and Literature
1. Space Stations in Sci-Fi Literature
Authors like Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick began incorporating realistic space stations into their books after Skylab’s success.
Skylab’s mission structure—combining research with human survival—became a common theme in futuristic storytelling.
2. Space Stations in Gaming
"Kerbal Space Program" allows players to build and maintain space stations similar to Skylab.
"Elite Dangerous" and "Mass Effect" feature large space habitats inspired by real-life stations, reinforcing Skylab’s lasting impact.
Skylab’s Sci-Fi Legacy Lives On
Though Skylab’s mission ended in 1979, its influence on pop culture continues. From classic sci-fi films to modern video games, Skylab set the stage for how space stations are portrayed in entertainment. Whether as a setting for adventure, survival, or scientific discovery, Skylab’s legacy in science fiction remains strong—proving that sometimes, reality is just as inspiring as fiction.
