Apollo-Soyuz
The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was the first piloted space mission to involve two countries. The most remarkable thing about Apollo-Soyuz was that the two countries--the United States and Soviet Union--had been bitter rivals during the space race.
Apollo-Soyuz was designed to test the docking systems for American
and Soviet spacecraft. One spacecraft from each country would meet
and dock while in Earth orbit.
The astronauts and cosmonauts would be able to meet face-to-face and move between the two capsules. If the two docking systems could work well together, future joint space missions would be possible.
Both nations had to work out a number of problems before they could
attempt a docking.
The two countries used different measuring systems. Their spacecraft were different, and engineers would need to design a way for the two capsules to safely join together. And the spacecraft had different air pressures and mixtures.
The Apollo spacecraft used the same design as those used on the moon missions, with a few minor changes.
The Soviets had used the Soyuz as their main spacecraft since 1967. It consisted of three basic modules--orbital, descent, and instrument--and needed no major changes.
The mission began with the Soyuz launch on July 15, 1975. Apollo
launched seven hours later.
The two spacecraft successfully docked
in space on July 17. The astronauts and cosmonauts worked together
for two days.
The historic first meeting in space of the Apollo-Soyuz crews in July 1975. NASA video.
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After separation, the Soyuz remained in space for almost two days before landing in the Soviet Union on July 21. The Apollo spacecraft stayed in space for another three days before splashing down near Hawaii on July 24.
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The mission was a great success for both countries. They achieved
their goal of gaining experience in the rendezvous
and docking of piloted spacecraft.
They also demonstrated they could move crew members between spacecraft. And they carried out a series of scientific experiments.
The Apollo-Soyuz mission was successful for its human accomplishments as
well as its technical triumphs. The mission also built confidence and
trust between the two countries.
Apollo-Soyuz was a huge step in international co-operation during the Cold War. And it was a clear sign that the space race was over.
Learn more about the Apollo-Soyuz program.