LAUNCH MISSION

Soviet Space Program Soyuz U Soyuz 16

Status

Success

DATE

2 DEC 1974

LAUNCH PROVIDER

Soviet Space Program

Launch Pad

1/5

Description

Soyuz 16 was a crewed test flight in a preparation for a joint Soviet-US space flight. The mission began on December 2, 1974, 09:40:00 UTC, with a launch of commander Anatoly Filipchenko and flight engineer Nikolai Rukavishnikov into orbit. During their 6-day stay in orbit, crew tested various new and improved systems and elements, including the new docking system. Soyuz 16 ended on December 8, 1974, 08:03:35 UTC with a successful landing.

Soyuz U

return