Apollo-Soyuz: The First Handshake in Space

Synopsis

Apollo-Soyuz: The First Handshake in Space is a captivating documentary that chronicles the historic 1975 Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the first international human spaceflight mission jointly conducted by the United States and the Soviet Union. Narrated by astronaut Thomas Stafford, who played a pivotal role in the mission, the film provides an in-depth look at the political and technical challenges overcome to achieve unprecedented cooperation amid Cold War tensions. Through archival footage, interviews, and detailed storytelling, the documentary celebrates this symbol of détente that paved the way for future collaborative space exploration endeavors, highlighting the shared human spirit of discovery and diplomacy.

Cast

• 

  Thomas Stafford

  Self

• 

  Alexei Leonov

  Self

Reviews

Critically, Apollo-Soyuz: The First Handshake in Space has been well received for its informative and thoughtful portrayal of a landmark moment in space history. On IMDb, the film holds a respectable rating of 7.4/10, reflecting generally favorable audience responses praising its educational value and engaging narration. Reviewers from space and science enthusiast outlets commend the documentary for providing a comprehensive and heartfelt account of the mission, with one noting, "The film brilliantly captures the tension and eventual triumph of international collaboration in space." While not widely reviewed by major critics on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, where formal aggregated scores are unavailable, the documentary's reception in niche circles points to appreciation for its archival richness and clarity. Some critiques mention that the pacing can feel a bit slow to those expecting a traditional dramatic narrative, but overall, it stands as an important historical record and an inspiring story of diplomacy and human achievement in space exploration.

See also

The Gendarme Gets Married

The Delta Force

Waking Ned

Orpheus