NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1969-086A
Soyuz 7 was launched one day after Soyuz 6. On board were cosmonauts A. Filipchenko, Commander, Flight Engineer V. Volkov, and Research Engineer V. Gorbatko. The ship was involved in group flight with Soyuz 6 and Soyuz 8. Docking did not occur, and the ship landed 5 days after launch. The announced mission objectives included (1) checkout of the Soyuz craft, (2) further improvement of the control, orientation, and orbital stabilization systems and navigation aids, (3) debugging the piloting systems by orbital maneuvering of the spaceships in relation to one another, (4) testing of a system for control of the simultaneous flight of three spacecraft, (5) scientific observations and photographing of geological-geographical subjects and exploration of the earth's atmosphere, (6) studying circumterrestrial space, and (7) conducting experiments of engineering research and biomedical importance. Stable two-way radio communications was maintained between the spaceships and the ground stations, and TV coverage was broadcast from the ships during flight.
Launch Date: 1969-10-12
Launch Vehicle: Modified SS-6 (Sapwood) with 2nd Generation (Longer) Upper Stage
Launch Site: Tyuratam (Baikonur Cosmodrome), U.S.S.R
Mass: 6000 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office