Edward G. Gibson spent over 84 days aboard the Skylab space station during the 1973–1974 Skylab 4 mission, establishing a record for crewed space flight duration at that time. A scientist-astronaut with a background in engineering and physics, he conducted extensive solar research during his 1,214 revolutions of the Earth, marking a pivotal chapter in long-duration space habitation.
Academic Foundation and Research
Born in Buffalo in 1936, Gibson overcame childhood osteomyelitis before excelling in his studies. He earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of Rochester in 1959. Subsequently, he completed his Master of Science and a PhD in engineering at the California Institute of Technology by 1964. During his doctoral work, he focused on jet propulsion and plasma physics, later serving as a research scientist at the Philco Corporation, where he investigated lasers and gas breakdown.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Transition to Space Flight
NASA selected Gibson for the fourth group of astronauts in June 1965, designating him as one of the first scientist-astronauts. He underwent flight training at Williams Air Force Base to earn his wings, eventually logging over 4,300 hours of flight time. Before his own mission, he supported the Apollo 12 lunar landing as a CAPCOM and contributed to the engineering design of the Skylab orbital workshop.
The Skylab 4 Mission
As science pilot for Skylab 4, Gibson participated in a mission that spanned from November 1973 to February 1974. He executed 338 hours of solar observation using the Apollo Telescope Mount. Beyond astrophysics, the crew completed 56 scientific experiments and 15 subsystem objectives. This mission stood as the longest crewed flight in history until 1978, with Gibson performing three EVAs totaling over 15 hours outside the station.
Professional Evolution
After resigning from NASA in 1974, Gibson performed research for the Aerospace Corporation and served as a consultant for ERNO Raumfahrttechnik GmbH. He returned to NASA in 1977 to lead the selection process for scientist-astronaut candidates. Following his final retirement from the agency in 1982, he moved into the private sector, working as a project manager at TRW and later establishing his own consulting firm, Gibson International Corp.
Fast facts
- Born: 1936, Buffalo
- Education: PhD in Engineering, Caltech
- NASA Selection: June 1965
- Skylab 4 Duration: 84 days, 1 hour, 15 minutes
- EVA Time: 15 hours, 22 minutes
- Award: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (1974)
- Consulting Firm: Gibson International Corp (1990)
- Recognition: United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
Questions readers ask
What was Edward G. Gibson's primary contribution to Skylab 4?
He served as the science pilot, primarily responsible for 338 hours of solar observations using the Apollo Telescope Mount.
Did Gibson work for NASA more than once?
Yes, he resigned in 1974 but returned in 1977 to preside over the selection of scientist-astronaut candidates before retiring in 1982.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration and California Institute of Technology
- Educated at California Institute of Technology, University of Rochester and Kenmore West Senior High School
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and physicist
