 Soyuz-T spacecraft | |
| Manufacturer | Korolev |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | USSR |
| Operator | Soviet space program |
| Applications | Carry three cosmonauts to Salyut and Mir space stations and back |
| Specifications | |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Production | |
| Status | Out of service |
| Launched | 18 |
| Maiden launch | 4 April 1978 Kosmos 1001 |
| Last launch | 16 March 1986 Soyuz T-15 |
| Related spacecraft | |
| Derived from | Soyuz 7K-TM Soyuz 7K-T Soyuz 7K-S |
| Derivatives | Soyuz-TM |
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 carry three cosmonauts with pressure suits.