Apr 25

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

May 18

Space Rocket History #389 – Skylab – Pre-history – MOL Part 3

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Mike Annis

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A planning document depicted 12-man and 40-man stations, both with self-defense capability. It described the 40-man, Y-shaped station as a “spaceborne command post” in synchronous orbit. The key requirement was “post attack survivability”, the station would be capable of “Strategic/tactical decision making” during a general war.

MOL Spacesuit

Launch of MOL Test Flight

Future MOL Command Post

May 04

Space Rocket History #388 – Skylab – Pre-history – MOL Part 2

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Mike Annis

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Strangely enough the MOL astronauts only knew of the cover story that the program would be a space laboratory for military experiments and did not learn of the reconnaissance role until after selection.