Country of origin USSR Status Out of service First launch Soyuz T-1, 1979 Derivative Soyuz-TM | Operator Soviet space program Launched 16 Regime Low Earth orbit | |
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Applications Carry three cosmonauts to Salyut and Mir space stations and back Manufacturer S. P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia Similar Salyut 7, Soyuz‑TM, Soyuz 7K‑OK, Soyuz 7K‑T, Soyuz 7K‑OKS | ||
The Soyuz-T (Russian: Союз-T, Union-T) spacecraft was the third generation Soyuz spacecraft, in service for seven years from 1979 to 1986. The T stood for transport (транспортный, Transportny). The revised spacecraft incorporated lessons learned from the Apollo Soyuz Test Project, Soyuz 7K-TM and Military Soyuz.
The Soyuz-T was a major upgrade over previous Soyuz spacecraft, sporting solid-state electronics for the first time and a much more advanced onboard computer to help overcome the chronic docking problems that affected cosmonauts during space station missions. In addition, solar panels returned, allowing the Soyuz-T to fly up to 11 days independently as well as a redesigned propulsion system, the KTDU-426. Finally, it could at last carry three cosmonauts with pressure suits.
Missions
