Space Rocket History #447 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Creating a Partnership

Posted on September 14, 2024 by Mike Annis

On January 20th, 1971 in private negotiation, Low and Frutkin met with Keldysh and Feoktistov to discuss rendezvous and docking. NASA proposed developing compatible systems for Apollo and Soyuz rather than future spacecraft, aiming to give specialists something concrete on which to work.

Academician Aleksandr Vinogradov, left, examines a lunar rock from Apollo 12

At the Soviet Academy of Sciences, the Soviet and U.S. negotiators face one another in January 1971

Academician Keldysh, right, headed the delegations and signed the agreements

Aug 30

Space Rocket History #446 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Tell Us All Your Secrets

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Mike Annis

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Lunney and his colleagues were especially captivated by the descriptions of the Soyuz control systems provided by Shatalov and Beregovoy. While immersed in the U.S. space programs, the NASA representatives could only follow the U.S.-U.S.S.R. competition through reports in American aerospace publications. However, this opportunity allowed them to hear firsthand accounts of the systems from individuals who had operated and flown the Soyuz.

Evolution of Ring and Cone Docking System

New Soyuz Docking Mechanism

Signing the agreement: L to R; Johnson, Hardy, Krimer, Frutkin, and Gilruth

Aug 16

Space Rocket History #445 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – A Kind Invitation

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Mike Annis

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In 1969, NASA Administrator Thomas O. Paine saw an opportunity for a paradigm shift
in Soviet-American space relations. Given the United States’ clear lead in the race to the moon, he believed an offer of cooperation would not jeopardize the US lunar aspirations. Remarkably, the Soviet Union now had more to gain from such a partnership.

The Space Obelisk at the National Exhibition of Economic Achievements in Moscow

Replica of the Vostok and Launch Vehicle displayed at the National Exhibition of Economic Achievement

Sketches by W. Taub outlining Soviet and American spacecraft characteristics. Prepared in 1969

Aug 02

Space Rocket History #444 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Competition and Cooperation

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Mike Annis

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Before joint missions, such as Apollo and Soyuz, could take place, both nations had to find a compelling rationale for cooperation, ultimately overcoming the seemingly insurmountable barriers to foster genuine cooperative space projects.