Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS
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
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS
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
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS
After 1957, the Soviets became accustomed to achieving “world firsts” in space accomplishments. Nevertheless, 10 years later they were not confident that they could pull off the world’s first fully automatic rendezvous and docking of two un-piloted Soyuz spacecraft. At the time the chance for success was estimated at only 50/50.
Vasily Mishin at Baykonur in 1967. Credit B. Chertok
Armen Mnatsakanyan the main designer of Igla. Credit B. Chertok
Igla docking system antennas.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS
“It’s a terrible scene. Komarov burned up. All the instruments burned. We must quickly find out what prevented the main parachute from unlatching.” Chief Designer Mishin after he arrived at the Soyuz 1 crash site.
Soyuz 1 crash site
Soyuz 1 crash site
Vlaidmir Komarov by Joe G.
