Jun 06

Space Rocket History #465 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Epilogue

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Mike Annis

Due to the deterioration of relations between the United States and the Soviet Union in the late 1970s, no follow-on missions to ASTP took place. A backup Apollo spacecraft and Saturn IB rocket were available and there were some discussions of possibly flying an Apollo to a Soviet Salyut space station, but with no government support, Soviet-American space cooperation for many years remained limited.

Stafford, Leonov, Brand, Kubasov and Slayton in Moscow during the tour of the Soviet Union

President Ford at the White House during the tour of the United States

Crewmembers pose with the Apollo Command Module from their mission.

Apr 11

Space Rocket History #461 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Rendezvous

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Mike Annis

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CapCom Truly radioed at 10:46 with the go-ahead: “I’ve got two messages for you: Moscow is go for docking; Houston is go for docking. It’s up to you guys. Have fun.”

Separated From the S-IVB to dock with the Docking Module

Improperly Installed Connection on the Docking Latch

AI Image of Apollo-Soyuz Docked

Mar 28

Space Rocket History #460 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Light the Candles

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Mike Annis

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Reports from Baykonur indicated that the weather was perfect for the launch: clear skies, light winds, and hot July sunshine.

Leonov and Kubasov Boarding their Soyuz

Soyuz Launch

Apollo Ready to Launch

May 06

Space Rocket History #338 – Apollo 15 – CDR Dave Scott Part 2 & The Postal Covers Incident

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Mike Annis

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As Command Module Pilot for Apollo 9, Scott’s responsibilities were heavy. The Lunar Module was to separate from the Command and Service Module during the mission; if it failed to return, Scott would have to run the entire spacecraft for reentry, normally a three-man job.