Nov 29

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

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.

The crew of Soyuz 8

Launch of Soyuz 8

The Vulcan device

Nov 22

Space Rocket History #233 – Soyuz 6, 7, and 8 with Shonin, Kubasov, Filipchenko, Volkov, Gorbatko, Shatalov, Yeliseyev – Part 1

Finally, on April 25, 1969 during a meeting of the Soyuz State Commission, it was decided that the solo and docking flights outlined for 1969 by design bureau OKB-1 would be combined into a joint flight of three spacecraft.  The plan was to fly Soyuz 6, 7, and 8 together in August of 1969; Soyuz 7 and 8 would dock and 6 would rendezvous with the docked pair and take pictures of it as well as perform a welding experiment.

Georgy Stepanovich Shonin, Commander of Soyuz 6

Valeri Nikolayevich Kubasov, Flight Engineer for Soyuz 6

Crew of Soyuz 7

Nov 15

Space Rocket History #232 – Apollo 11 – Final Duties & World Reaction Part 2

The round-the-world tour began on September 29th and lasted until November 5th covering 28 cities in 25 countries in 38 days. The astronauts’ wives were allowed to go along on the trip, as well as a large staff.

Apollo 11 crew in Mexico City

Apollo 11 crew meet Pope Paul VI

Apollo 11 crew meet the Queen

Nov 08

Space Rocket History #231 – Apollo 11 – Final Duties & World Reaction Part 1

On August 10th, 1969 quarantine officially ended for the Apollo 11 crew, but that did not end the duties required for a flight of such magnitude. On August 12th, the Astronauts conducted a post flight press conference. They were greeted with a standing ovation from members of the media.

Post flight press conference

New York welcomes Apollo 11 crew

Chicago welcomes Apollo 11 crew