Country of Origin: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Dimensions:
3-D Test: 0.4 x 6cm (3/16 x 2 3/8 in.)
Materials:
Metal, bronzed aluminum
This medal celebrates the first joint international spaceflight, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, which occurred in July 1975.
Commemorative and medals are one way in which Russian and Soviet leaders have recognized accomplishments and individuals in the space program. Initially limited groups of people within the space program received medals. As the space programs grew in prestige and publicity, the medals increased in numbers and played an increasing role in celebrating the accomplishments of the space program. Ultimately, medals became the currency of diplomatic gifts from the Soviet Union. High government or industry officials would give these medals as gifts to their counterparts abroad, including the United States. The typical medals had the main, commemorative theme on the front and supporting statement on the reverse.
Gift of the K. E. Tsiolkovskii Museum, Kaluga, USSR
Gift of the K. E. Tsiolkovskii Museum of the History of Cosmonautics
