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Soyuz-Apollo/Apollo-Soyuz, 15-19 July 1975
Description
"Commander's Instruction Book," three-ring oblong notebook; incomplete — dual language "Joint Operations Instructions 1975," three-hole oblong notebook, upper cover embossed with Apollo-Soyuz logo; incomplete — "Crew Plan for Join Operations," three-hole notebook, upper cover embossed with Apollo-Soyuz logo; incomplete.
Condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Leonov's working notes on the moment of link-up between Apollo and Soyuz, 17 july 1975. All three notebooks contain Leonov's annotations as he worked through the steps and stages leading to link-up of the two spacecraft, according to the detailed instructions in these manuals. These include his indications of the location of Apollo as he observed it through the Soyuz periscope, steadily approaching. It was Leonov's responsibility as Commander to control the roll of Soyuz so as to match the manoeuvres of Commander Thomas Stafford in Apollo. On the critical sheet of the "detailed plan" of the third notebook, giving times and instructions for the actual link-up, Leonov entered in black ink, apparently as a reminder, a series of five English phrases to be communicated to his counterpart in Apollo: "O.K! keep coming, Tom" — "Apollo and Soyuz are shaking hands now" — "Well done, Tom!" — "Thank you for a good show!" — and, "We're looking forward to shaking hands with you now."