Apollo-Soyuz 50th Anniversary: A Handshake in Orbit That Transformed the Space Race
The New York TimesMonday, July 14, 2025 at 2:00:07 PM
Fifty years ago, during the Cold War’s chilliest years, a U.S. Apollo spacecraft and a Soviet Soyuz capsule docked together in orbit—marking the first time rival superpowers collaborated in space. The iconic handshake between astronauts and cosmonauts wasn’t just a technical marvel; it was a political thaw, proving that even adversaries could work toward shared goals beyond Earth. Today, the anniversary reminds us how that moment paved the way for projects like the International Space Station.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a timely lesson. At a moment when global tensions are high again, the Apollo-Soyuz mission shows what’s possible when science transcends politics. Plus, with modern space efforts (like Artemis or lunar bases) leaning heavily on international teamwork, that 1975 handshake feels more relevant than ever.
— Curated via WP Now’s
