ASTP-Apollo

Description

The United States and the U.S.S.R. launched an Apollo spacecraft and a Soyuz spacecraft, respectively, as a joint effort called the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). The Soyuz spacecraft was launched first, with a two-man crew who maneuvered their spacecraft into a docking orbit. The Apollo spacecraft was launched 7-1/2 h later, with a three-man crew who placed their spacecraft into a proper configuration for docking with the Soyuz spacecraft. The docking of the two spacecraft occurred on the third day. After docking, crew transfers took place, with the Apollo crew first visiting the Soyuz. The combined Apollo-Soyuz crews performed joint experiments and presented radio and TV reports. After joint experiments were completed, the spacecraft disengaged and each continued its separate mission.