Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (1973)

Produced by the Houston-based A-V Corporation for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, this government film outlines the purpose of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). By the early 1970s, Cold War tension between the United States and the Soviet Union remained high. In an attempt to improve relations and move towards a policy of détente, the two nations agreed to undertake the first international manned space mission. Named the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the mission would involve the rendezvous and docking of an American Apollo spacecraft with a Soviet Soyuz one. Over the course of two days, crew members would transfer from one spacecraft to the other to conduct joint experiments. This government film begins by reviewing the origins of the ASTP and its diplomatic purpose. It then describes the mission profile and some of the challenges of joining two distinct spacecraft. Throughout, the film stresses the international cooperation involved and the benefits of technological collaboration. The mission was eventually conducted in July 1975.