Space Rocket History Podcast

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Space Rocket History #465 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Epilogue Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

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 →

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Space Rocket History #464 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Coming Home May 23, 2025

Show notes

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 →

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Space Rocket History #463 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Joint Operations May 09, 2025

Show notes

“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.

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Space Rocket History #462 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Handshake Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

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 →

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Space Rocket History #461 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Rendezvous Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

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.”

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Space Rocket History #460 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Light the Candles Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

Reports from Baykonur indicated that the weather was perfect for the launch: clear skies, light winds, and hot July sunshine.

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Space Rocket History #459 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – I Want my Apollo/Soyuz TV Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Television coverage involved meticulous planning of specific television transmissions, detailed preparation for an onboard press conference, and careful scheduling of symbolic activities designed to engage and inform the public.

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Space Rocket History #458 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Final Training & Tang Ceremony Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Eight cosmonauts arrived in Washington, D.C. on February 7th, 1975 to start their final training session in the U.S. as the technical specialists argued whether the spacecraft was ready or not.

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Space Rocket History #457 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Soviet Concerns with Apollo Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

The origin of the Soviet’s concern, regarding the potential impact of the Apollo Command Module’s Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters on the Soyuz spacecraft during docking maneuvers, can be traced back to a Skylab film.

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