Skylab

This Earth Resource Experiment Package (EREP) photograph of the Uncompahgre area of Colorado was electronically acquired in September of 1973 by the Multi-spectral Scarner, Skylab Experiment S192. EREP images were used to analyze the vegetation conditions and landscape characteristic of this area. Skylab's Earth sensors played the dual roles of gathering information about the planet and perfecting instruments and techniques for future satellites and manned stations. An array of six fixed cameras, another for high resolution, and the astronauts' handheld cameras photographed surface features. Other instruments, recording on magnetic tape, measured the reflectivity of plants, soils, and water. Radar measured the altitude of land and water surfaces. The sensors' objectives were to survey croplands and forests, identify soils and rock types, map natural features and urban developments, detect sediments and the spread of pollutants, study clouds and the sea, and determine the extent of snow and ice cover.