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Description

Fine 1971 map of the world prepared under the direction of the Department of Defense by the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC) of the United States Air Force for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This map was created as part of the support material for the Skylab space missions that took place during the early 1970s.

The chart is marked as the 2nd Experimental Edition, dated September 15, 1971, and was lithographed by ACIC in October 1971. The map displays a global view of Earth, with specific focus on the broadcasting stations and their ranges, relevant to the Skylab missions. This would have helped astronauts and mission control personnel monitor and navigate the spacecraft during its time in orbit.

In the context of the Skylab missions and space exploration during the early 1970s, the Goddard Network refers to a global network of ground-based tracking and data acquisition stations operated by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The primary purpose of the Goddard Network was to provide communication, tracking, telemetry, and command support for various satellite and manned spaceflight missions, including the Skylab program.

The network consisted of several ground stations located around the world, ensuring continuous coverage as satellites and spacecraft orbited the Earth. The stations were equipped with advanced tracking and communication technology to maintain contact with the spacecraft, receive telemetry data, and transmit commands.

Skylab was the United States' first space station, and its purpose was to study the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body, as well as to conduct various scientific experiments in Earth observation, solar astronomy, and materials processing. The chart would have played a crucial role in mission planning and execution, ensuring the safety and success of the Skylab program.