Soyuz 19, a Soyuz 7K-TM spacecraft, during theApollo–Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). | |
| Manufacturer | OKB-1 |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Soviet Union |
| Operator | Soviet space program |
| Applications | Crewed spacecraft |
| Specifications | |
| Dimensions |
|
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Production | |
| Status | Retired |
| Launched | 5 |
| Retired | 5 |
| Maiden launch | 3 April 1974 Kosmos 638 |
| Last launch | 15 September 1976 Soyuz 22 |
| Related spacecraft | |
| Derived from | Soyuz 7K-T |
| Derivatives | Soyuz 7K-S Soyuz 7K-ST Soyuz 7K-MF6 |
The 1975Apollo–Soyuz Test Project version of theSoyuz spacecraft (Soyuz 7K-TM) served as a technological bridge to the third generationSoyuz-T (T - транспортный,Transportnyi meaning transport) spacecraft (1976–1986).
The Soyuz ASTP spacecraft was designed for use during theApollo Soyuz Test Project asSoyuz 19. It featured design changes to increase compatibility with the American craft. The Soyuz ASTP featured new solar panels for increased mission length, anAPAS-75 docking mechanism instead of the standard male mechanism, and modifications to the environmental control system to lower the cabin pressure to 0.68 atmospheres (69 kPa) prior to docking with Apollo. The ASTP Soyuz backup craft flew as theSoyuz 22 mission, replacing the docking port with a camera.
There are only five spaceflights of the Soyuz 7K-TM spacecraft, mostly in support for the joint US-SovietApollo–Soyuz mission. Excess hardware that flew on its final flight (Soyuz 22) were sometimes referred to its own unique configuration called theSoyuz 7K-MF6[1][2]
| Mission | Crew | Launch | Landing | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kosmos 638 | None | 3 Apr 1974 | 13 Apr 1974 | 10 days | First test flight of theAPAS-75 docking system[3] |
| Kosmos 672 | None | 12 Aug 1974 | 18 Aug 1974 | 6 days | Second test flight of the APAS-75 docking system[3] |
| Soyuz 16 | 2 Dec 1974 | 8 Dec 1974 | 6 days | Third and final dress rehearsal of testing the APAS-75 docking system for the subsequentASTP mission[4] | |
| Soyuz 19 | 15 Jul 1975 | 21 Jul 1975 | 6 days | Part of theApollo–Soyuz Test Project, the first international crewed spaceflight in history[5] | |
| Soyuz 22 | 15 Sept 1976 | 23 Sept 1976 | 8 days | Earth sciences and (possibly a) reconnaissance mission. Final crewed Soyuz spaceflight to not visit a space station[6] |