The Apollo–Soyuz Test Project was a landmark space mission that illustrated a shift in the dynamics of U.S.-Soviet relations amid the Cold War. Initiated in the early 1970s, the project emerged from a desire to enhance collaboration between the two superpowers through scientific and technological endeavors. On July 15, 1975, the Apollo spacecraft, carrying American astronauts Thomas Stafford, Vance Brand, and Donald Slayton, was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Meanwhile, the Soviet Soyuz spacecraft, carrying cosmonauts Alexei Leonov and Valery Kubasov, was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. After two days of independent flights, the two spacecraft successfully docked on July 17, marking the first time spacecraft from the two nations had ever linked together in orbit. This docking was not just a technical achievement; it allowed astronauts and cosmonauts to transfer between spacecraft, conduct joint experiments, and engage in cooperative activities in space. Following the docking, a series of joint activities took place, including a handshake and a shared meal, symbolizing a significant moment of détente amidst rivalry. The mission demonstrated the feasibility of international cooperation in space exploration and set the stage for future collaborative projects, including the International Space Station. It provided valuable insights into docking techniques and paved the way for technological advancements in space travel. The Apollo–Soyuz mission was celebrated globally, as it not only achieved its technical objectives but also fostered a spirit of goodwill and partnership between two nations that had been locked in a tense geopolitical struggle.