Apollo–Soyuz: The Historic Handshake That United Space

On July 17, 1975, the United States’ Apollo and the Soviet Union’s Soyuz spacecraft successfully docked in Earth orbit. The mission was part of the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project (ASTP), the world’s first international human spaceflight.

Launched on July 15, the two spacecraft met in orbit after precise maneuvers. Commanders Thomas P. Stafford and Alexei Leonov shared the first historic handshake in space. The crews spent nearly two days together conducting scientific experiments and exchanging knowledge.

They also shared meals, gifts, and cultural experiences aboard the docked spacecraft. The mission demonstrated that space exploration could foster peace beyond political rivalries.

It became a powerful symbol of cooperation during the height of the Cold War. Apollo–Soyuz laid the foundation for future international partnerships, including the International Space Station (ISS).

Even today, the mission remains a landmark achievement in the history of human space exploration.

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