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.

May 23

Space Rocket History #464 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Coming Home

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Mike Annis

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Celebrations erupted in Mission Control, with broad smiles and cigar smoke marking the successful conclusion. But, while Mission control was celebrating, it was not yet known that the crew had been exposed to toxic fumes during descent. The crew was coughing and Brand lost consciousness.

Kubasov autographs the side of the Soyuz descent vehicle

Leonov and Kubasov (speaking) are interviewed by Soviet newsmen shortly after their safe landing in Kazakhstan

Dec 01

Space Rocket History #403 – Skylab – S.M.E.A.T. – Skylab Mission 0

Posted on December 1, 2022 by Mike Annis

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This SMEAT crew would test out various elements of the Skylab equipment and procedures in a series of trials, ending in a full-scale simulation that was set at 56 days.

SMEAT Crew Enter Airlock to 20-Ft. Chamber.

Bobko in the LBNP Chamber.

Bobko on Bicycle Erogometer.

Jun 01

Space Rocket History #390 – Skylab – Pre-history – MOL Part 4 & Extending Apollo

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Mike Annis

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On June 7th 1969, General Stewart ordered all work on Gemini B, the Titan IIIM and the MOL spacesuit, to cease and to cancel or curtail all other contracts. The official announcement that the MOL had been canceled was made on June 10th.