The Partnership: A History of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project
|
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LJ-1 |
21 Aug. |
Unmanned |
1,007 |
00:00:20 |
Maximum dynamic pressure abort test; evaluation of launch escape and recovery systems. |
Objectives not met; abort initiated during countdown. |
Big Joe |
9 Sept. |
Unmanned |
1,159 |
00:13:00 |
Ballistic flight; evaluation of heat-protection concept, aerodynamic shape, and recovery system. |
Successful. |
LJ-6 |
4 Oct. |
Unmanned |
1,1341 |
00:05:10 |
Ballistic flight; qualification of launch vehicle structure; evaluation of command system. |
Successful. |
LJ-1A |
4 Nov. |
Unmanned |
1,007 |
00:08:11 |
Maximum dynamic pressure abort test; same as LJ-1. |
Primary objective not met: escape motor ignition was late. |
LJ-2 |
4 Dec. |
Rhesus monkey "Sam" |
1,0071 |
00:11:06 |
High-altitude abort test; evaluation of launch, abort, and reentry dynamics; recovery. |
Successful. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LJ-IB |
21 Jan. |
Rhesus monkey "Miss Sam" |
1,0071 |
00:08:35 |
Maximum dynamic pressure abort test; same as LJ-1A; evaluation of launch and abort. |
Successful. |
Beach abort |
9 May |
Unmanned |
1,154 |
00:01:16 |
Off-the-pad abort test; qualification of structure and launch escape system for simulated pad abort. |
Successful. |
Korabl Sputnik I2 |
15 May |
Simulated man |
4,546 |
- |
Place space cabin into orbit; test life support systems; recover cabin from orbit. |
Put in near circular orbit; recovery operation malfunction, 19 May; burned up after 844 days. |
MA-1 |
29 July |
Unmanned |
1,154 |
00:03:18 |
Ballistic flight; test of spacecraft/launch vehicle compatibility; thermal loads in critical abort. |
Objectives not met; mission failed at about 60 sec after lift-off. |
Korabl Sputnik II2 |
19 Aug. |
Animals |
4,600 |
25:00:00 |
Test of capsule and recovery system; evaluation of effects of space travel on biological payload (2 dogs, Strelka [Little Arrow] and Belka [Squirrel]; 12 mice; 2 rats; 15 flasks of fruit flies; plants). |
Successful; 17+-orbit flight and recovery. |
LJ-5 |
8 Nov. |
Unmanned |
1,1411 |
00:02:22 |
Maximum dynamic pressure abort test; qualification of launch escape system and structure. |
Objectives not met; spacecraft did not separate from launch vehicle. |
MR-1 |
21 Nov. |
Simulated man |
1,211 |
00:00:00 |
Suborbital flight; qualification of spacecraft/ launch vehicle compatibility; posigrades. |
Test objectives not met; launch vehicle shut down at lift-off. |
Korabl Sputnik III2 |
1 Dec. |
Animals |
4,563 |
24:00:001 |
Test of equipment for manned flights; evaluation of effects of space travel on biological payload (2 dogs, Pchelka [Bee] and Mushka [Little Fly]; mice; insects; plants). |
Spacecraft burned up on unprogrammed reentry, 2 Dec. |
MR-1A |
19 Dec. |
Unmanned |
1,2111 |
00:15:45 |
Suborbital flight; same as MR-1. |
Successful; cutoff overspeed caused overshoot of recovery area. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MR-2 |
31 Jan. |
Chimpanzee "Ham" |
1,203 |
00:16:39 |
Suborbital flight; acquisition of physiological and performance data on a primate in flight; systems qualification tests. |
Successful; early depletion of liquid oxygen triggered escape rocket, which yanked spacecraft 209 km beyond recovery area. |
MA-2 |
21 Feb. |
Unmanned |
1,1541 |
00:17:56 |
Ballistic flight; same as MA-1. |
Successful. |
Korabl Sputnik IV2 |
9 Mar. |
Simulated man and animals |
4,700 |
01:30:001 |
Testing of structure and systems for manned flight; observation of effects of biological payload (1 dog, Chernushka [Blackie]; mice; guinea pigs). |
Successful 1-orbit flight; upon recovery animal passengers were reported to be alive and well. |
LJ-5A |
18 Mar. |
Unmanned |
1,1411 |
00:23:48 |
Maximum dynamic pressure abort test; same as LJ-5. |
Objectives not met; escape rocket ignited early, |
MR-BD |
24 Mar. |
Unmanned |
1,1411 |
00:08:23 |
Suborbital flight; evaluation of modifications to correct MR-1A and MR-2 malfunctions. |
Successful. |
Korabl Sputnik V2 |
25 Mar. |
Simulated man and dog |
4,695 |
01:30:001 |
Further test of structure and systems, including recovery of biological payload and the simulated cosmonaut "Ivan Ivanovich"(1 dog, Zvezdochka [Little Star]). |
Successful. |
Vostok 1 |
12 Apr. |
Gagarin |
4,725 |
01:48:00 |
Placement of manned spacecraft into orbit; safe recovery of cosmonaut and craft. |
Successful 1-orbit flight; first manned orbital flight. |
MA-3 |
25 Apr. |
Unmanned |
1,1791 |
00:07:19 |
1-pass orbital flight; evaluation of all systems, network, and recovery forces. |
Objectives not met; launch vehicle failed to follow roll program; escape system operated. |
LJ-5B |
28 Apr. |
Unmanned |
1,141 |
00:05:25 |
Maximum dynamic pressure abort test; same as LJ-5 and LJ-5A. |
Successful. |
MR-3 |
5 May |
Shepard |
1,290 |
00:15:22 |
Suborbital flight; familiarization of man with space flight; evaluation of response and control of craft. |
Successful; first American in space. |
MR-4 Liberty |
21 July |
Grissom |
1,286 |
00:15:37 |
Suborbital flight; same as MR-3. |
Successful; after water landing, premature hatch release caused craft to sink; astronaut recovered. |
Vostok 2 |
6 Aug. |
Titov |
4,731 |
25:18:00 |
Study effects of prolonged weightlessness on cosmonaut after 17 orbits of flight. |
Successful 17½-orbit flight. |
MA-4 |
13 Sept. |
Unmanned |
1,1791 |
01:49:20 |
1-pass orbital flight; same as MA-3. |
Successful; circuit anomaly in control system caused landing 120 km uprange. |
MA-5 |
29 Nov. |
Chimpanzee "Enos" |
1,331 |
03:20:59 |
3-pass orbital flight; qualification of all systems and network for orbital flight recovery. |
Successful; control system malfunction terminated flight after 2 passes. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MA-6 |
20 Feb. |
Glenn |
1,355 |
04:55:23 |
3-pass orbital flight; evaluation of effects on and performance of astronaut in space. |
Successful; first American to orbit earth; control system malfunction required manual retrofire and reentry. |
MA-7 |
24 May |
Carpenter |
1,349 |
04:56:05 |
3-pass orbital flight; same as MA-6 ; evaluation of spacecraft modifications and network. |
Successful; horizon scanner circuit malfunction required manual retrofire; yaw error caused landing 402 km downrange; recovery in 3 hr. |
Vostok 3 |
11 Aug. |
Nikolayev |
4,723 |
94:09:59 |
Orbit of manned craft and precision recovery; orbit in close conjunction with Vostok 4. |
Successful; transmitted live TV to Soviet ground stations; radio communication with Vostok 4; 64 orbits. |
Vostok 4 |
12 Aug. |
Popovich |
4,729 |
70:43:48 |
Orbit in close conjunction with Vostok 3; same as Vostok 3. |
Successful; first tandem flight; 48 orbits. |
MA-8 |
3 Oct. |
Schirra |
1,373 |
09:13:11 |
Six-pass orbital flight; same as MA-6 and MA-7 except for extended time. |
Successful; partially blocked ECS coolant valve delayed stabilizing suit temperature until 2nd pass; on target recovery. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MA-9 |
15 May |
Cooper |
1,376 |
34:19:49 |
22-pass orbital flight; evaluation of effects of a lengthier stay in space on man; verification of man as primary spacecraft system. |
Successful; manual retrofire and reentry; on target landing. |
Vostok 5 |
14 June |
Bykovsky |
4,720 |
119:06:00 |
Study of effect of prolonged flight on human organism; tandem flight with Vostok 6; improvement of spacecraft equipment and pilotage. |
Successful; completed record 81 orbits; 48 tandem orbits. |
Vostok 6 |
16 June |
Tereshkova |
4,713 |
70:50:00 |
Study of effects of space flight on a woman; tandem flight with Vostok 5. |
Successful; first woman to fly in space; completed 48-orbit flight in tandem with Vostok 5. |
PA-1 |
7 Nov. |
Unmanned |
7,1773 |
00:02:45 |
Evaluation of Apollo escape configuration during pad abort. |
Successful. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GT-1 |
8 Apr. |
Unmanned |
3,187 |
04:50:00 |
Test of structural integrity of Gemini spacecraft and compatibility of Gemini and Titan II launch vehicle. |
Successful; recovery not planned; reentered after 64th orbital pass and disintegrated. |
A-001 |
13 May |
Unmanned |
26,2843 |
00:05:50 |
Determination of aerodynamic characteristics of launch escape system. |
Successful. |
AS-101 |
28 May |
Unmanned |
SM: 1,892 |
00:10:24 |
Demonstration of compatibility of spacecraft with launch vehicle in launch and exit trajectory and environment for Apollo earth orbital flights. |
Successful; no recovery planned; craft reentered on 54th orbital pass and disintegrated. |
AS-102 |
18 Sept. |
Unmanned |
SM: 1,882 |
00:10:21 |
Demonstration of compatibility of spacecraft with launch vehicle in launch and exit trajectory; determination of launch and exit environmental parameters; demonstration of alternate mode of escape-tower jettison. |
Successful; no recovery planned; craft reentered on 59th orbital pass and disintegrated. |
Cosmos 47 |
6 Oct. |
Unmanned |
5,3201 |
24:00:001 |
Unmanned precursor to Voskhod I. |
Orbital data nearly identical to 12 Oct. Voskhod I flight. |
Voskhod I |
12 Oct. |
Komarov |
5,320 |
24:17:03 |
Test of multiseat spacecraft; check of interaction of 3 cosmonauts; evaluation of medical findings on prolonged flight; test of soft-landing apparatus and shirtsleeve cabin environment. |
Successful; 16-orbit flight. |
A-002 |
8 Dec. |
Unmanned |
42,7883 |
00:07:23 |
Demonstration of launch vehicle performance and verification of abort capability in maximum dynamic pressure region. |
Successful; CM recovered. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GT-2 |
19 Jan. |
Unmanned |
3,122 |
00:18:16 |
Demonstration of adequacy of reentry heat protection equipment, structural integrity, and capability of craft and systems; evaluation of backup guidance steering signals. |
Successful; except for fuel cell results as fuel cell was deactivated before lift-off because of malfunction. |
Cosmos 57 |
22 Feb. |
Unmanned |
5,683 |
NA |
Unmanned precursor to Voskhod II. |
Orbital data somewhat similar to 18 Mar. Voskhod II flight; exploded in orbit. |
Voskhod II |
18 Mar. |
Belyayev |
5,683 |
26:02:17 |
Performance and evaluation of EVA; use of manual reentry system. |
EVA successful; overshot landing area and landed in snow-covered forest area; crew was rescued. |
GT-3 |
23 Mar. |
Grissom |
3,225 |
04:52:31 |
Evaluation of manned flight in Gemini and its 2-man design; evaluation of worldwide tracking network; maneuvering in orbit; control of reentry flight-path and recovery area; evaluation of systems: prelaunch, launch, and recovery, |
Successful; performed 2 out of 3 experiments; Grissom became 1st man to make 2nd space flight. |
A-003 |
19 May |
Unmanned |
80,3723 |
00:05:03 |
Demonstration of performance of launch escape system in high-altitude region; demonstration of orientation of CM to a main-heatshield-forward attitude after abort. |
Partially successful; required altitude not achieved; low-altitude conditions observed successfully. |
GT-4 |
3 June |
McDivitt |
3,574 |
97:40:01 |
Evaluation of effects of long exposure; demonstration of EVA; stationkeeping; rendezvous with detached 2nd stage. |
Successful; rendezvous attempt abandoned because of excessive fuel consumption; 22-min EVA; computer malfunction necessitated ballistic reentry. |
PA-2 |
29 June |
Unmanned |
CM: 4,940 |
00:01:52 |
Demonstration of capability of launch escape system to abort from launch pad and recover. |
Successful. |
GT-5 |
21 Aug. |
Cooper |
3,605 |
190:55:14 |
Evaluation of performance of rendezvous guidance and navigation systems using a rendezvous evaluation pod; confirmation of physiological endurance for lunar mission. |
Successful except for rendezvous failure because of fuel-cell heater problem; longest manned space flight in time and distance (8 days); performed 16 of 17 experiments. |
GT-7 |
4 Dec. |
Borman |
3,663 |
330:35:01 |
Demonstration of 14-day mission capability; rendezvous target for GT-6A; stationkeeping; evaluation of lightweight pressure suit. |
Successful; accurate controlled reentry; performed 20 experiments. |
GT-6A |
15 Dec. |
Schirra |
3,546 |
25:51:24 |
Rendezvous with GT-7 ; stationkeeping; spacecraft systems tests. |
Successful; first rendezvous in space. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A-004 |
20 Jan. |
Unmanned |
63,4463 |
00:06:50 |
Demonstration of satisfactory launch escape system performance for an abort in the power-on tumbling boundary region; demonstration of structural integrity of launch escape system airframe structure during same period, |
Successful. |
Cosmos 110 |
22 Feb. |
Animals |
5,2001 |
Evaluation of prolonged effects of radiation in space travel on the biological payload (2 dogs, Veterok [Breeze] and Ugolek [Blackie]). |
Successful; reportedly a Soyuz-type reentry vehicle. | |
AS-201 |
26 Feb. |
Unmanned |
SM: 3,654 |
00:37:20 |
Demonstration of compatibility and structural integrity of spacecraft and Saturn IB configuration; evaluation of heatshield performance. |
Successful; 1st flight separation of launch vehicle and production spacecraft; 1st SM burn and restart at altitude; 1st full flight test of Block I spacecraft. |
Cosmos 111 |
1 Mar. |
Unmanned |
NA |
48:00:00 |
Orbital data similar to manned flight. |
Possible precursor flight to 23 Apr. 1967 Soyuz 1 flight. |
GT-8 |
16 Mar. |
Armstrong |
3,788 |
10:41:26 |
Rendezvous and docking with target vehicle; EVA; docking practice. |
Rendezvous and docking successful; unexpected roll and yaw motion prevented further activity and necessitated early return; EVA not performed; safe recovery. |
GT-9A |
3 June |
Stafford |
3,750 |
72:20:50 |
Rendezvous and docking with target vehicle; EVA; docking practice. |
Target vehicle had not been separated from its launch shroud, making docking impossible; 2-hr and 7- min EVA ; rendezvous as planned; controlled reentry; landed 0.7 km from target. |
GT-10 |
18 July |
Young |
3,763 |
70:46:39 |
Rendezvous and docking with target vehicle; use of target vehicle propulsion system to rendezvous with 2nd target vehicle; EVA. |
Successful; 2 EVA periods. |
AS-202 |
25 Aug. |
Unmanned |
SM: 4,466 |
01:33:00 |
Flight test of production Apollo Block I type spacecraft using Saturn IB launch vehicle; demonstration of structural integrity and compatibility; evaluation of heatshield performance. |
Successful. |
GT-11 |
12 Sept. |
Conrad |
3,798 |
71:17:08 |
1st revolution rendezvous and docking; EVA; docking practice; maneuvers in docked configuration to high altitude. |
Successful; reached record altitude of about 1,400 km above earth. |
GT-12 |
11 Nov. |
Lovell |
3,763 |
94:34:31 |
Rendezvous and docking with target vehicle; 3 EVAs; tethered stationkeeping exercise; maneuvers. |
EVA and rendezvous/ docking exercises successful; trouble with target vehicle prevented maneuvers; last Gemini flight. |
Cosmos 133 |
28 Nov. |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
48:00:001 |
Orbital data similar to manned flight. |
Possible precursor flight to 23 Apr. 1967 Soyuz 1 flight. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apollo 1 |
27 Jan. |
Grissom |
20,4121 |
- |
Not a flight, but a plugs-out test at Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 34. |
The 3 crewmembers were killed in a flash fire that swept through the spacecraft. |
Cosmos 140 |
7 Feb. |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
48:00:001 |
Orbital data similar to manned flight. |
Possible precursor flight to 23 Apr. flight of Soyuz 1. |
Cosmos 146 |
10 Mar. |
Unmanned |
22,7201 |
192:00:001 |
NA. |
Alternatively identified as a precursor flight to either Zond or Soyuz. |
Cosmos 154 |
8 Apr. |
Unmanned |
22,7201 |
48:00:001 |
Orbital data similar to manned flight. |
Possible precursor to a later Soyuz flight. |
Soyuz 1 |
23 Apr. |
Komarov |
6,451 |
26:40:00 |
First manned test of the Soyuz spacecraft. |
Because the spacecraft was experiencing movement around its axis upon reentry, the craft crash-landed when its parachute lines became tangled, killing the cosmonaut upon impact. |
Cosmos 186 |
27 Oct. |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
84:40:001 |
Demonstration of automatic docking of 2 Soyuz-type spacecraft (with Cosmos 188). |
Successful 3½-hr docking period. |
Cosmos 188 |
30 Oct. |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
72:00:001 |
Demonstration of automatic docking of 2 Soyuz-type spacecraft (with Cosmos 186). |
Successful 3½-hr docking period. |
Apollo 4 |
9 Nov. |
Unmanned |
CSM: 23,401 |
08:37:09 |
Demonstration of integrity and compatibility of launch vehicle and Apollo spacecraft, stage separation, heatshield performance, support facilities, and recovery. |
Successful; 1st flight of Saturn V launch vehicle. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apollo 5 |
22 Jan. |
Unmanned |
LM: 14,300 |
07:52:03 |
Verification of operation of LM and ascent propulsion systems and structure; evaluation of staging and launch vehicle performance. |
Successful; first orbital test of LM; CSM replaced by dummy nose cone. |
Zond 4 |
2 Mar. |
Unmanned |
22,7201 |
161:00:001 |
Flight check of Zond spacecraft. |
Reentry vehicle similar to that of Soyuz reentry vehicle; Zond series identified by Soviets as fully capable of carrying a human crew around the moon. |
Apollo 6 |
4 Apr. |
Unmanned |
CSM: 25,138 |
09:49:45 |
Demonstration of structural and thermal integrity and compatibility of launch vehicle and spacecraft and stage separation; verification of operation of propulsion, guidance and control, and electrical systems; demonstration of mission support facilities. |
Stage separation not achieved as planned; other objectives met. |
Cosmos 212 |
14 Apr. |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
120:00:001 |
Further demonstration of automatic rendezvous and docking (with Cosmos 213), |
Successful. |
Cosmos 213 |
15 Apr. |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
120:00:001 |
Further demonstration of automatic rendezvous and docking (with Cosmos 212). |
Successful. |
Cosmos 238 |
28 Aug. |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
72:00:001 |
Orbital data similar to manned flight. |
Possible precursor flight to later Soyuz flights. |
Zond 5 |
15 Sept. |
Biological payload (?) |
22,7201 |
162:24:00 |
Evaluation of effects of circumlunar flight on biological payload; demonstration of circumlunar flight and recovery of automatic spacecraft. |
Successful; first Soviet water landing and recovery. |
Apollo 7 |
11 Oct. |
Schirra |
CSM: 14,781 |
260:09:08 |
Demonstration of crew performance, rendezvous capability, and crew/vehicle/support facilities performance; qualification of heatshield. |
Successful; rendezvous with Saturn IVB stage; 1st manned Apollo flight. |
Soyuz 2 |
25 Oct. |
Unmanned |
6,3501 |
72:30:00 |
Target for Soyuz 3 rendezvous. |
Successful. |
Soyuz 3 |
26 Oct. |
Beregovoy |
6,576 |
94:51:00 |
Perfection of rendezvous techniques in orbit; experiments with unmanned Soyuz 2. |
Successful; performed automatic and manual rendezvous maneuvers. |
Zond 6 |
10 Nov. |
Biological payload (?) |
22,7201 |
162:46:30 |
Cosmic ray experiment; determination of effects of flight on biological payload; circumlunar flight; lunar photography. |
Successful. |
Apollo 8 |
21 Dec. |
Borman |
CSM: 28,817 |
147:00:42 |
Demonstration of performance in cislunar and lunar orbit environment; evaluation of crew performance in lunar orbit mission; demonstration of communications and tracking; high-resolution photography. |
Successful; 1st manned lunar orbit; 1st manned Saturn V launch. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soyuz 4 |
14 Jan. |
Shatalov |
6,626 |
71:23:00 |
Demonstration of rendezvous and manual docking of 2 manned spacecraft (with Soyuz 5). |
Successful; performed docked maneuvers; overall volume = 18 cu. m. |
Soyuz 5 |
15 Jan. |
Volynov |
6,586 |
72:56:00 |
Demonstration of rendezvous and manual docking of 2 manned spacecraft; crew transfer by EVA to Soyuz 4. |
Successful. |
Apollo 9 |
3 Mar. |
McDivitt Scott Schweickart |
CSM: 26.801 |
241:00:.53 |
Demonstration of LM performance (propulsion, rendezvous, and docking capabilities); EVA and intervehicular crew transfer. |
Successful. |
Apollo 10 |
18 May |
Stafford |
CSM: 28,834 |
192:03:23 |
Qualification of combined spacecraft in lunar environment; LM rendezvous and CM docking in lunar gravitational field; evaluation of lunar navigation. |
Successful; first lunar orbital mission with complete Apollo spacecraft. |
Apollo 11 |
16 July |
Armstrong |
CSM: 28,807 |
195:18:35 |
Demonstration of lunar landing with manned Apollo spacecraft; "moon walk"; lunar photography. |
Successful; first manned lunar landing; time on the moon = 21:36:20.9. |
Zond 7 |
7 Aug. |
Unmanned |
22,7201 |
144:00:001 |
Further demonstration of circumlunar flight; lunar photography. |
Successful. |
Soyuz 6 |
l1 Oct. |
Shonin |
6,578 |
118:42:00 |
Welding experiments in vacuum; biomedical experiments; stellar observations; photography; maneuvers with the Soyuz and 8 spacecraft. |
Successful. |
Soyuz 7 |
12 Oct. |
Filipchenko |
6,571 |
118:41:00 |
Same as Soyuz 6 (no welding planned); maneuvers with Soyuz 6 and 8 spacecraft. |
Successful. |
Soyuz 8 |
13 Oct. |
Shatalov |
6,647 |
118:50:00 |
Demonstration of service as a command ship for 3-craft maneuvers, illustrating capability for future space station construction; demonstration of ground control capability in multicraft situation. |
Successful. |
Apollo 12 |
14 Nov. |
Conrad |
CSM: 28,838 |
244:36:25 |
Precise lunar landing; lunar exploration; scientific experiments in Ocean of Storms area. |
Successful; time on the moon = 31:31:12. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apollo 13 |
11Apr. |
Lovell |
CSM: 28,945 |
142:54:41 |
Performance of lunar mission at Fra Mauro; selenological inspection; experiments; development of working capability in lunar environment; lunar photography. |
Nominal mission aborted because of an abrupt loss of SM cryogenic oxygen associated with a fire in 1 of the 2 tanks at about 56 hr GET; LM provided power and life support until transfer to CM for reentry. |
Soyuz 9 |
1 June |
Nikolayev |
6,501 |
424:59:00 |
Acquisition of extensive observations on the effects of prolonged flight on both the crew and the spacecraft; performance of numerous course correction exercises. |
Successful; longest manned flight in time to date; cosmonauts experienced abnormal blood pressure and color perception and fatigue upon landing but survived the long flight satisfactorily. |
Zond 8 |
20 Oct. |
Unmanned |
22,7201 |
161:00:00 |
Further demonstration of circumlunar flight; lunar and planetary photography. |
Successful; Soviets' second water recovery. |
Cosmos 379 |
24 Nov. |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
NA |
Initial orbital data similar to Soyuz-type flight data but with a later lunar or interplanetary orbital launch platform. |
Possible test of new lunar-type engine system. |
Cosmos 382 |
2 Dec. |
Unmanned |
22,7201 |
NA |
Orbital data. (Speculation has been made that this flight may have been a precursor to manned lunar flight.) |
NA. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apollo 14 |
31 Jan. |
Shepard |
CSM: 29,240 |
216:01:58 |
Selenological inspection and sampling; development of capability to work in lunar environment; photographs of candidate exploration sights; experiments. |
Basically successful; several minor problems prevented the lunar crew's performance of all objectives; time on the moon = 33:30:31. |
Cosmos 398 |
26 Feb. |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
NA |
Initial orbital data similar to Soyuz-type flight data but with a later lunar or interplanetary orbital launch platform. |
Possible test of new lunar-type engine system. |
Salyut 1 |
19 Apr. |
Unmanned |
18,5971 |
- |
Service as a space station for experiments and observation (to be manned by visiting Soyuz flight). |
Successful; Soyuz 10 (Apr. 1971) and 11 (June 1971) crews visited Salyut 1; reentered atmosphere 11 Oct. 1971. |
Soyuz 10 |
23 Apr. |
Shatalov |
6,5771 |
47:46:00 |
Test of new rendezvous and docking techniques (equipped with a docking collar). |
Remained in docked position with Salyut 1 5 hr and 30 min; some speculation that crew had intended to enter station but could not because of malfunction. |
Soyuz 11 |
6 June |
Dobrovolskiy |
6,5771 |
570:22:00 (23+ days) |
Occupation of the Salyut station and performance of extensive experiments, biological and astronomical; observation of spacecraft systems. |
All flight objectives met successfully during 24-day stay on Salyut; crew was killed during landing procedures when a seal in the spacecraft failed before the ship entered earth's atmosphere; all scientific logs and films were recovered. |
Apollo 15 |
26 July |
Scott |
CSM: 30,370 |
295:11:53 |
Lunar inspection, survey, and sampling of materials in Hadley- Apennine region; experiments; evaluation of capability of lunar equipment during extended lunar surface stay. |
Successful; used lunar rover during moon exploration; total lunar stay = 66:54:5 3; conducted 3 lunar EVA periods, plus 1 transearth coast EVA for a total of 19:47:00; 1 parachute failed on landing but the recovery was successful and the landing precise. |
Cosmos 434 |
12 Aug. |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
NA |
Initial orbital data similar to Soyuz-type flight data but with later lunar or interplanetary orbital launch platform. |
Possible test of new lunar-type engine system. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apollo 16 |
16 Apr. |
Young |
CSM: 30,395 |
265:51:05 |
Lunar inspection, survey, and materials sampling in Descartes region; experiments on lunar surface and in flight; photography. |
Successful; total lunar stay = 71:02:13;lunar rover driven 26.7 km; lunar EVA periods totaled 20 hr and 14 min. |
Cosmos 496 |
26 June |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
NA |
Performance of test flight to verify safety modifications to Soyuz breathing ventilation valve. |
Successful; reentered 2 July. |
Apollo 17 |
7 Dec. |
Cernan |
CSM: 30,369 |
301:51:59 |
Lunar survey and sampling of materials in Taurus-Littrow region; surface experiments and photography; in-flight experiments and photography. |
Successful; last Apollo flight to the moon; lunar stay = 74:59:38; 3 lunar EVA periods totaled 22:05:04; traveled 35 km in lunar rover. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Salyut 2 |
3 Apr. |
Unmanned |
18,5971 |
- |
Service as a space station for experiments and observations; perfection of design and onboard systems. |
Not successful; suspected thruster problem caused craft to tumble out of control, resulting in a solar panel malfunction; reentered 28 May 1973. |
Cosmos 557 |
11 May |
Unmanned |
18,5001 |
96:00:001 |
Orbital data. (Observers believed craft was Salyut failure; U,S.S.R. denies any relationship to manned program.) |
Mission apparently completed in 4 days; craft reentered 22 May 1973. |
Skylab 1 |
14 May |
Unmanned |
74,783 |
- |
Service as an orbiting space station in which to conduct experiments for lengthy periods of time by visiting crews. |
Successful; manned by visiting crews from Skylab Mission 2 (May 1973), 3 (July 1973), and 4 (Nov. 1973); still in orbit. |
Skylab 2 |
25 May |
Conrad |
CM: 6,076 |
672:49:49 (28+ days) |
Operation of orbital workshop as a habitable space structure for up to 28 days; acquisition of medical data on crew for use in extending duration of manned flight; in-flight experiments. |
Successful; crew made repairs to workshop damaged during launch (Skylab parasol); some difficulty in performing the docking procedure. |
Cosmos 573 |
15 June |
Unmanned |
6,5751 |
NA |
Performance of test flight to verify safety modifications to Soyuz breathing ventilation valve. |
Successful; reentered 17 June. |
Skylab 3 |
28 July |
Bean |
CM: 6,085 |
1,427:09:04 (59+ days) |
Acquisition of data for evaluating performance of unmanned workshop; reactivation of workshop; acquisition of medical data on the crew; inflight experiments. |
Successful; all scientific objectives met; crew met with some motion sickness during first 3 visit days. |
Soyuz 12 |
27 Sept. |
Lazarev |
6,5771 |
47:16:00 |
Test of improved flight conditions; acquisition of spectrographic data of separate sections of the earth; evaluation of new space suit design. |
Successful. |
Cosmos 605 |
31 Oct. |
Biological payload |
5,5001 |
NA |
Study of effects of space on living organisms (white rats, steppe turtles, insects, fungi); test of life-sustaining systems. |
Successful; recovered 22 Nov. |
Skylab 4 |
16 Nov. |
Carr |
CM: 6,104 |
2,017:15:31 (84+ days) |
Evaluation of performance of unmanned workshop and its reactivation; acquisition of extensive medical data from crewmembers; in-flight experiments. |
Successful; last visit to Skylab; total mission visit time = 4,117:14:24; total mission flight time = 12,351:43:12; some initial problem with motion sickness; made extensive observations of Comet Kohoutek. |
Cosmos 613 |
30 Nov. |
Unmanned |
6,5701 |
NA |
Systems test of Soyuz to determine if craft could remain inactive in orbit and then be reactivated. |
Successful; soft-landed 30 Jan. 1974. |
Soyuz 13 |
18 Dec. |
Klimuk |
6,5771 |
188:32:00 |
Observation of stars in the ultraviolet range using a special system of telescopes; survey of separate sections of earth's surface and acquisition of data; continuation of comprehensive verification of onboard systems; test of manual and automatic control and methods of autonomous navigation in various flight conditions. |
Successful. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cosmos 638 |
3 Apr. |
Unmanned |
6,5701 |
NA |
Test of docking systems and rendezvous for ASTP. |
Successful; reentered 13 Apr. |
Cosmos 656 |
27 May |
Unmanned |
6,5701 |
NA |
ASTP-related tests of Soyuz. |
Successful; reentered 29 May. |
Salyut 3 |
25 June |
Unmanned |
18,1441 |
- |
Service as an unmanned orbital workshop to be visited and manned by Soyuz crews who will perform experiments and observations. |
Successful; manned by Soyuz 14 (July 1974) crew; programmed reentry and disintegration on 24 Jan. 1975. |
Soyuz 14 |
3 July |
Popovich |
6,5771 |
336:00:001 |
Test of Salyut's engineering system and energy supply; in-flight experiments. |
Successful. |
Cosmos 672 |
12 Aug. |
Unmanned |
6,5701 |
NA |
ASTP-related tests of Soyuz. |
Successful; reentered 18 Aug. |
Soyuz 15 |
26 Aug. |
Sarafanov |
6,5771 |
48:12:00 |
Docking with Salyut 3; onboard tests and inflight experiments. |
Unsuccessful; night landing in adverse weather conditions; crew recovered. |
Cosmos 690 |
22 Oct. |
Biological payload |
NA |
NA |
Tests of effects of radiation on animals (white rats); cesium 137 gamma ray source on board. |
Successful; 21-day flight. |
Soyuz 16 |
2 Dec. |
Filipchenko |
6,5771 |
142:24:00 |
Simulation of ASTP-type mission; U.S.- Soviet joint tracking exercise. |
Successful. |
Salyut 4 |
26 Dec. |
Unmanned |
18,1441 |
- |
Unmanned orbiting space workshop to further test design, onboard systems, and equipment; scientific-technical studies conducted by visiting Soyuz crews. |
Successful; manned by Soyuz 17 (Jan. 1975) crew. |
Name of spacecraft |
Launch date |
Occupant |
Payload weight (kg) |
Flight time (hr:min:sec) |
Basic flight objectives |
Summary of results |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soyuz 17 |
11 Jan. |
Grechko |
6,5771 |
Extensive series of scientific and medical experiments onboard Salyut 4; observation of effects of prolonged weightlessness on man. |
Successful; set Soviet record for time in space. | |
Soyuz anomaly |
5 Apr. |
Lazarev |
6,5771 |
00:04:451 |
Visit to Salyut 4 space station. |
Aborted shortly after launch because of launch vehicle malfunction; crew recovered safely near Gorno Altaisk (in Siberia near the People's Republic of China border); first manned mission abort. |
Soyuz 18 |
24 May |
Klimuk |
6,5771 |
1,512:00:001 (63 days) |
Visit to Salyut 4 space station. |
Successful; set Soviet record for time in space; landed 26 July. |
Soyuz 19 |
15 July |
Leonov |
7,0001 |
142:30:54 |
Rendezvous and docking with U.S. Apollo crew; joint activities including crew transfer. |
Successful; landed 21 July. |
Apollo |
15 July |
Stafford |
CSM: 12,905 |
217:28:24 |
Rendezvous and docking with U.S.S.R. Soyuz crew; joint activities including crew transfer. |
Successful; landed 24 July. |
AS - Apollo-Saturn
ASTP - Apollo-Soyuz Test Project
BD - Booster development
CM - Command module
CSM - Command and service module
DM - Docking module
ECS - Environmental control system
EVA - Extravehicular activity
GET - Ground-elapsed time
GT - Gemini-Titan
LJ - Little Joe
LM - Lunar module
LTA - Lunar test article
MA - Mercury-Atlas
MR - Mercury-Redstone
NA - Not available
PA - Pad abort
SM - service module
2 Sometimes called "spacecraft."
3 Test vehicle at
launch.
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