The 1970s space station was called Skylab. It was the first United States space station, launched into orbit in 1973 and operated until 1979. Skylab was a unique project for its time, as it was the first space station to be designed, built, and operated by the United States. It was also the first space station to be visited by astronauts from multiple countries. Skylab was used to conduct experiments in astronomy, solar physics, and materials processing.