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This spider is from an experiment flown aboard Skylab, a space station launched into Earth orbit by the United States in May 1973. Scientists and students interested in the growth, development, behavior, and adaptation of organisms in weightlessness provided a variety of biology experiments for flight in the orbital research laboratory. A common Cross spider, "Arabella" participated in a web formation experiment suggested by a high school student. The experiment was carried out on the Skylab 3 mission, which lasted 59 days from July 28-September 25, 1973. Astronauts Alan Bean, Jack Lousma, and Owen Garriott carried out the scientific research in space, reported the results, and returned this specimen at the end of their mission.

Transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1974.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date 1970s Country of Origin United States of America Type EQUIPMENT-Experiment Specimen Materials Spider: organic material in formalin
Vial: plastic
 Inventory Number A19740484001 Credit Line Transferred from National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.