Apollo-Soyuz

Question 1

What was it?

Answer 1

A joint space mission between the USA (Apollo) and the USSR (Soyuz).
• Launched in July 1975.
• First time American and Soviet spacecraft docked in space and astronauts worked together.

Question 2

🔹 Why was it important?

Answer 2

Symbol of Détente:
• Marked a shift from competition (space race) to cooperation.
• Showed improved relations between superpowers during the détente period.

✅ Public Relations Win:
• Televised globally — astronauts shaking hands in space sent a powerful message of peace.
• Both sides wanted to show unity despite their differences on Earth.

✅ Scientific Cooperation:
• Shared research, docking technology, and life-support systems.
• Helped pave the way for future joint space efforts (like the International Space Station later on).