Skylab Over Earth

The Skylab was a space station that was launched by NASA in May 1973. The Skylab was a scientific laboratory that orbited the Earth. It included a workshop, a solar observatory, and other systems. Its purpose was to do many different scientific tests including astronomical observations in ultraviolet and X-ray light. Some of the observations showed us important information about Comet Kohoutek, the Sun, and x-ray background. By having this Skylab astronauts were able to study more about the universe that surrounds us. Many scientific experiments were conducted on the Skylab during its lifetime. The Skylab fell back to Earth July 11, 1979. Why did the Skylab only operate for 6 years? Why can’t we make a Skylab that would be able to orbit other planets?

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1308/skylab_nasa_3000.jpg