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.

Feb 18

Space Rocket History #433 – Skylab – Crashdown

Posted on February 18, 2024 by Mike Annis

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Despite predictions, events seldom occur precisely as expected. The calculated breakup altitude of Skylab was based on its intended structural strength specifications. However, the actual vehicle was stronger than the specified strength requirements.

Mgrs. & Controllers Monitor Re-entry

Garriott with Oxygen Tank Debris. Credit David Hitt

Ground-track of Skylab final passes.

Feb 02

Space Rocket History #432 – Skylab – Reboost

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Mike Annis

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The official decision to proceed with the Skylab reboost mission was made on September 1st 1977, initiating a two-year preparation period for the development and production of the required hardware and systems.