Free Skylab 4 Talk at the Space Museum, Friday, Nov. 6
Published 29 October 2026
The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo is hosting a free Launch Pad Lecture on the Skylab 4 mission on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 9 to 10 a.m. Education Director Marie De Leon will look at the mission through the human side of spaceflight, from daily life aboard the station to what the crew discovered. It is held in the New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium, and coffee and donuts are provided.
When and where is the Skylab 4 lecture?
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Event | Launch Pad Lecture: Skylab 4 |
| Speaker | Marie De Leon, Education Director, New Mexico Museum of Space History |
| Date | Friday, November 6, 2026 |
| Time | 9 to 10 a.m. |
| Where | New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium, Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Center, 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo |
| Cost | Free, with coffee and donuts |
The museum's event page for the Skylab 4 Launch Pad Lecture does not mention a livestream, so plan to come in person.
What was the Skylab 4 mission?
Skylab was America's first space station, and Skylab 4 was the third and final crew to live aboard it. According to NASA's Skylab 4 mission page, the crew launched on November 16, 1973, and splashed down on February 8, 1974, after 84 days in space, the longest crewed stay of the program.
| Skylab 4 fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch | November 16, 1973 |
| Splashdown | February 8, 1974 |
| Time in space | 84 days |
| Commander | Gerald P. Carr |
| Science pilot | Edward G. Gibson |
| Pilot | William R. Pogue |
It was the first spaceflight for all three astronauts. NASA says they traveled about 34 million miles and observed Comet Kohoutek during their stay.
What will the talk cover?
The museum says the lecture will examine Skylab 4 through the human experience of space exploration. Expect the challenges the crew faced, what they discovered, and what everyday life was like aboard an orbiting laboratory, plus where the mission fits in the history of human spaceflight.
It is aimed at space fans, history lovers and anyone curious, so you do not need a science background to enjoy it.
What else is coming up at the Space Museum?
November is a good month to visit. The museum and the Astronomy League host a free star party on Saturday, November 14, and the museum just celebrated the 50th anniversary of the International Space Hall of Fame.
What does this mean if you live here or are moving here?
Free morning lectures like this are one of the perks of living in a town with a state space museum on the hill. They are an easy outing for retirees, homeschool families and anyone with a flexible Friday morning, and a fun way to meet neighbors who love space history. If you are planning a move, my moving to Alamogordo guide covers what everyday life is like here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Skylab 4 Launch Pad Lecture in Alamogordo?
The lecture is Friday, November 6, 2026, from 9 to 10 a.m. It is at the New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium at the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
Is the Launch Pad Lecture free?
Yes, the lecture is free. Coffee and donuts are provided.
Who is giving the Skylab 4 talk?
Marie De Leon, the museum's Education Director, is giving the talk. She will look at the mission through the human experience of spaceflight.
How long was the Skylab 4 mission?
Skylab 4 lasted 84 days, from November 16, 1973, to February 8, 1974. It was the longest crewed stay of the Skylab program.
Where is the New Horizons Dome Theater?
It is in the Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Center at 3198 State Route 2001 in Alamogordo. That is part of the New Mexico Museum of Space History campus.
Event details are from the New Mexico Museum of Space History, and mission facts are from NASA, checked 29 October 2026. Times can change, so check the museum's event page before you go.