Space Rocket History Podcast

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 … Continue reading → The post Space Rocket History #465 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Epilogue first appeared on Space Rocket History Podcast.

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 … Continue reading → The post Space Rocket History #464 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Coming Home first appeared on Space Rocket History Podcast.

“I had thoughts I couldn’t express at the time. It felt like we weren’t just opening a hatch in space, but opening the door to a new era on Earth.”  Tom Stafford. The post Space Rocket History #463 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Joint Operations first appeared on Space Rocket History Podcast.

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. … Continue reading → The post Space Rocket History #462 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Handshake first appeared on Space Rocket History Podcast.

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.” The post Space Rocket History #461 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Rendezvous first appeared on Space Rocket History Podcast.