Shortly after the mission was complete, the three astronauts were awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal by President Ford, who stated that:
“The Apollo-Soyuz Flight was an encouraging reminder that — in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect — men from different countries and different systems can work together for a common goal with courage, intelligence and success . . . . If we can bring the spirit of Apollo-Soyuz to bear on the many challenges mankind faces here on Earth, the future for all of us will be brighter.”
Indeed, the Apollo Soyuz Test Project was a critical moment both in international affairs and in space exploration. It showed that two countries with different language, technology and even measuring systems could create a system in which cooperation could be feasible. It also showed that in space emergencies, spacecraft could have the potential to dock to a ship in crisis and help its crew members.
However, the results of the mission would not be immediately realized; the Apollo program was ended shortly after, leading to a new series of space projects for NASA. For the Soviet Union, the 1980’s and 90’s led to great political revolution, which would ultimately lead to its collapse and the independence of several Eastern European and Asian nations. It would take another twenty years for an international docking to happen again, with Mir docking with Atlantis in 1995 and the eventual development of the International Space Station.
On a personal level, the crew members formed lasting friendships. The surviving members have kept in touch, and meet up for anniversary events.
Out of the tragedy of Soyuz 11, came a call to help one’s fellow man, even in space. By showing that two countries, especially those with strained relations, could perform experiments together, the Apollo- Soyuz Test Project proved that international cooperation and scientific exploration could go hand in hand and have lasting results. The work of the Apollo-Soyuz, as well as recent and current international space programs, have lived up to President Kennedy’s wish from his inaugural speech:
“Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars.”
(Information via The National Archives https://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/events/centennials/ford/exhibit/celebration.html , Astronotes http://www.armaghplanet.com/blog/shaking-hands-in-orbit-the-apollo-soyuz-test-project.html Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/event/Cold-War, NASA https://www.nasa.gov/50th/50th_magazine/coldWarCoOp.html
The Apollo- Soyuz Test Project 