You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
alternatehistory.com
Europe in space (10)
Skylab second life
August 15, 1973
ESA is now entirely committed to the space tug program. First flight has to happen in 1976, followed by a second mission the year after. The Agena space tug will be boosted by the lower half of France national launcher Diamant – the L-17 “Amethyste”.
The space tug however needs a target spacecraft – and NASA and ESA decided that Skylab would fit the bill. So ESA will loft a couple of space tugs to Skylab orbit and practice extensive manoeuvers, notably simulated approaches. Because the Agena isn't piloted, and because Skylab is at the end of its useful life, ESA and NASA decided they would atempt a docking. The Agena space tugs will thus carry Apollo obsolete probe-and-drogue system compatible with the old orbital workshop.
Consideration is currently given about carrying Canada's robotic arm; the Agena would grapple Skylab and ram itself into Skylab frontal docking ring.
Grappling may be necessary since Skylab lacks a beacon on which the Agena LIDAR system could home. Such a beacon might be installed by the last Apollo crew to left the orbital workshop, but time is running out pretty fast.