Space Rocket History #462 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Handshake

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Mike Annis

On July 17, 1975, orbiting in space high above the French city of Metz, the American and Russian commanders shook hands. Their conversation, a mix of personal and technical remarks, reflected a casual familiarity, reminiscent of their simulator training sessions. There were no dramatic declarations—just a cordial exchange between professionals who seemed to be doing what they had practiced countless times.

Stafford-Leonov handshake

Slayton-Leonov embrace.

Stafford-Leonov handshake

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

Dec 19

Space Rocket History #328 – Soyuz 11 – The Replacement Crew – Dobrovolsky, Volkov, and Patsayev – Part 1

Posted on December 19, 2019 by spac9750

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Dobrovolsky was blond, tall, broad-shouldered, and tough. He was kind-hearted and had a contagious belly laugh. At the Air Force school, his friends nicknamed him `Odessa’, and he was proud of it.

Nov 29

Space Rocket History #234 – Soyuz 6, 7, and 8 – Part 2 -The Vulcan Device

Posted on November 29, 2017 by spac9750

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The Vulcan device consisted of two major units. The first unit included various welding devices and a turn-table with samples of metals to be welded. The second unit consisted of an electric power pack, a protective shield which covered the welding unit, and a remote control console.