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

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Mike Annis

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

Jun 28

Space Rocket History #417 – Skylab – Skylab 3 – Maximum Effort, Determination, Efficiency, and Accomplishment

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Mike Annis

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Finally, the crew became efficient enough to get all of the work done that was scheduled for a given day. But, that did not make up for the time lost at the beginning of the mission. Reaching 100 percent efficiency was not enough for Bean.

Al Bean Reading in His Bed on the Wall

Garriott at the ATM Console

Jun 07

Space Rocket History #211 – Apollo 11 – Mission Training – Part 3 & Contamination

Posted on June 7, 2017 by spac9750

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In addition to the fixed-base lunar module simulators in Houston and at the Cape, astronauts also practiced at Langley Research Center on the suspended lunar landing trainer which was equipped with realistic surface views and lighting.