Skylab 4. Skylab 4 was the third manned Skylab mission and placed the third and final crew aboard the first American space station. The mission started on November 16, 1973 and lasted 84 days, one hour and 16 minutes. Skylab 4 astronauts performing scientific experiments in the areas of medical activities, solar observations, Earth resources, observation of the Comet Kohoutek and other experiments. The Commander was Jerry Carr (1932- ), Science Pilot Ed Gibson (1936- ) and Pilot Bill Pogue (1930-2010). 8” x 10 ½” typed letter signed, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, April 22, 1974, to E. R. Souris. “…We are indeed proud to have participated in our nation’s last flight of the Skylab series….” Carr has added a postscript: “Our thanks for The Little Prince!”.