Country of origin USSR Status Out of service First launch Soyuz T-1, 1979 | Launched 16 | |
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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
