Skylab was launched by NASA in 1973 as the United States' first space station, serving as a microgravity laboratory where astronauts conducted various scientific experiments. The station orbited the Earth until it was deemed uninhabitable following the departure of its last crew in 1974. Over the following years, Skylab's orbit decayed due to atmospheric drag and other factors, leading to predictions of its eventual re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. In July 1979, attention turned to Skylab's impending descent as space scientists monitored its trajectory. Skylab ultimately re-entered over the Indian Ocean, where it disintegrated and scattered debris across the ocean and parts of Australia. The event showcased the challenges associated with managing space debris and raised questions about safety in environmental concerns regarding spacecraft re-entries. Warnings were issued, but several pieces of Skylab landed near populated areas in Western Australia, sparking minor public panic but no injuries. The response included local and international media coverage, which highlighted the potential hazards of defunct space vehicles falling back to Earth.