Part 4/8:
Soyuz TM-5: A Close Call in Descent
On September 5, 1988, the Soyuz TM-5 mission faced serious challenges upon re-entry to Earth. As cosmonauts Vladimir Lyakhov and Abdul Ahad Mohmand prepared their descent, critical systems failed to correct their trajectory, causing distress.
In an emergency circumstance, Lyakhov’s quick thinking and reset of the onboard computer likely saved their lives, allowing them to complete the descent successfully, even as they had to withstand a strenuous 24-hour period without food, water, or toilet facilities. Their story is a poignant reminder of the relentless pressure and dangers astronauts manage regularly, confirming the importance of quick thinking and resilience.