My understanding is the Russians actually built a construction hall where the atmosphere was completely inert and put their welders into SCUBA gear to perform all of the titanium hull welds. Remarkable efforts made during the Cold War to find that technological edge.
Yep. Even Rickover (supposedly) and (more importantly to me) my welding teacher was hugely impressed. Actually inspirational at the time since my dream was to get an engineering degree and be one of the first welders in outer space. Being an SF geek and working on my certifications....
Be it the cold war or now, no one ever won a battle by underestimating their enemy.