Jan 10

Space Rocket History #455 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Spacecraft Orientation

The American astronauts acknowledged the necessity of enhancing their Russian language proficiency. They observed that their Russian counterparts, had demonstrated a remarkable commitment to learning English, dedicating 6 to 8 hours each day to individual language instruction.

Interior view of Environment Control System breadboard test

Spacecraft Simulators at Star City

Docking Systems Installed on a Simulator

Dec 20

Space Rocket History #454 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Astronauts & Cosmonauts

For the first time, the Soviet Union publicly announced the crew assignments for a Soyuz mission before the flight. Previously, cosmonaut identities were kept secret until after their flights.

ASTP Crew

ASTP Display at 1973 Paris Air Show

Snowball Flight at Star City

Dec 06

Space Rocket History #453 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Mid-term Review

According to George Low, the Soviet mission operations control room was quite large – it contained 16 two-man consoles, thus allowing them 32 flight controllers. In addition, there was a back row of consoles which were used for personnel such as the project technical director; this back row was also a work station for display controllers who control the main display boards in the front of the room.

Cosmonaut Training Center at Star City

Star City Location in Relation to Moscow

Soviet manned space mission control in Kaliningrad. Credit Getty Images

Nov 22

Space Rocket History #452 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – Full Speed Ahead

In April of 1972, George Low returned to Washington from Moscow and briefed Henry Kissinger. He conveyed NASA’s assessment that a joint space mission in 1975 was feasible.

Nixon-Kosygin Summit

Soviet 2/5 Scale Model of ASTP Docking System

Apollo Communications Links