PBS recently released the second episode of its miniseries "Once Upon a Time in Space," titled "The Russian Thing." Within this episode lies a gripping recount of the 1997 crisis aboard the Space Station Mir, featuring insights from astronaut Michael Foale.
Foale, known for his significant contributions to six space missions prior to his retirement in 2013, candidly discusses the infamous collision involving an unmanned Progress cargo ship that occurred on May 25, 1997. This incident ripped a substantial hole in the Spektr module of Mir and led to a life-threatening situation for the crew.
In a gripping sequence that might remind one of a thriller film, Foale, along with cosmonauts Vasily Tsibliev and Alexander ‘Sasha’ Lazutkin, faced a dire scenario—only 23 minutes of oxygen remained as they raced against time to repair the damage and stabilize their vessel.
Speaking on the root causes of the collision, Foale pointed out that financial constraints played a pivotal role. “The decision to attempt a manual docking without necessary radar support was driven by a desire to cut costs,” he explained. The radar, manufactured in Ukraine and costing approximately $2 million, had been deemed expendable by Russian leaders, resulting in desperate measures. This led to the Progress cargo ship being used for a manual docking from an unorthodox distance, contributing to the collision's disastrous outcomes.
Foale elaborated, “Vasily Tsibliev was unable to accurately measure the closing velocity due to the lack of equipment, which ultimately resulted in the Progress colliding with Mir at a much higher speed than it could handle.” The incident not only damaged the Spektr module but also destroyed a solar array, leading to significant air loss.
Three days later, while awaiting information about the Progress, the crew discovered that the spacecraft had been intentionally de-orbited to the Pacific Ocean, as it was no longer operational. Unfortunately, the immediate aftermath required a quick response, and an adapter was sent to restore power from the Spektr module back to Mir’s systems.
As the situation unfolded, Vasily was initially scheduled to perform an internal spacewalk to facilitate repairs. However, due to the stress-induced effects of the collision, he could not pass a medical clearance for the EVA. Foale was then asked to step in, a decision he understood would create tension with Tsibliev, who felt the burden of the incident squarely on his shoulders.
"It was a humiliating moment for him,” Foale recalled. “He took all the blame of the collision on his shoulders, which was unfair." Despite his discomfort, Foale proceeded with the internal spacewalk to mend the damaged sections within the Spektr module.
Reflecting on his storied NASA career, Foale faced an emotional adjustment following his retirement. Having spent 30 years at NASA and numerous missions under his belt, he encountered feelings of loss when transitioning from astronaut life to civilian reality. “It was a depressing moment when I was being told, 'Oh, you're done,'" he shared. "The envy of my younger colleagues who hadn’t flown often weighed on me.”
Despite these challenges, Foale expressed a hopeful outlook. He now engages in everyday activities, such as biking in Texas’ scenic environments, which, while not space travel, still invoke a sense of adventure. “I miss space, but I find joy and accomplishment in new pursuits,” he noted.
At 69, Foale reflects on his life with gratitude, recognizing the unique experiences he had while in orbit. He commented on the often idealized nature of international collaboration in space, as depicted in the show "Once Upon a Time in Space," calling it akin to a fairy tale when he looks back.
The episode “The Russian Thing” aired on July 21, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET, and is available for viewing on PBS.org and the PBS app, with additional episodes scheduled for release later this month.