Jimmy Carter apologizes to Australia after Skylab debris falls in 1979

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter apologized to Australia after the Skylab space station exploded upon re-entry, scattering debris across the country. He expressed concern for potential injuries and offered assistance to the Australian government. Skylab, the first U.S. manned space station, was launched in 1973. Its unexpected re-entry occurred thousands of kilometers off its planned path, resulting in flaming debris landing in Western Australia. Carter, who passed away at 100, will be honored with a state funeral on January 9. He will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center before being taken to Washington for the funeral, which is a national day of mourning.