Film Lens
This documentary covers the historic Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, which marked the first space encounter between the USA and the USSR on July 17, 1975. It covers the backdrop of the Cold War, where both nations were engaged in a space race while maintaining their own separate programs. The film emphasizes the significance of the handshake between American astronaut Thomas Stafford and Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov as a symbol of cooperation amidst political tensions.
Through interviews and archival footage, the documentary illustrates how the Apollo-Soyuz mission served as a demonstration that collaboration was possible, despite the ideological divide. It shows the friendships formed between the astronauts and the engineers from both countries, showcasing how their efforts laid the groundwork for future international space partnerships.
Why Watch
- •See the first handshake in space between Stafford and Leonov.
- •Find out how the Apollo-Soyuz mission overcame Cold War tensions.
- •Meet the engineers who made international space cooperation possible.
Did You Know
•One billion viewers watched the Apollo-Soyuz handshake live on July 17, 1975.
•The Apollo-Soyuz mission took three years to prepare and execute.
•The first handshake in space was between Thomas Stafford and Alexei Leonov.
•The USA and USSR were seen as the two main victors of World War II.
Perfect For
Space explorationCold War historyInternational cooperation