Soyuz launcher evolution and key missions (1966–1991)

1. Maiden Soyuz rocket launches Kosmos 133

   Nov 28, 1966Labels: Soyuz 11A511, Kosmos 133, Baikonur

   • Kosmos 133
   • R 7 Launches

2. Pad explosion highlights early Soyuz risks

   Dec 14, 1966Labels: Soyuz 7K-OK, launch pad, Baikonur

   • Soyuz 7K OK
   • R 7 Launches

3. First crewed Soyuz flight ends in tragedy

   Apr 23, 1967Labels: Soyuz 1, Vladimir Komarov, Soyuz 11A511

   • Soyuz 1
   • Soyuz Rocket

4. Soyuz links to Salyut 1 space station

   Apr 22, 1971Labels: Soyuz 10, Salyut 1, docking attempt

   • Soyuz 10
   • Salyut 1

5. Soyuz 11 succeeds, then fatal depressurization

   Jun 6, 1971Labels: Soyuz 11, Salyut 1, cabin depressurization

   • Salyut 1
   • Soyuz 7K OKS

6. Soyuz-U makes its first launch

   May 18, 1973Labels: Soyuz-U, R-7 family, launch variant

   • GlobalSecurity
   • Soyuz Rocket

7. Soyuz 18a abort shows launcher escape value

   Apr 5, 1975Labels: Soyuz 18a, abort escape, 7K-T No

   • Soyuz 18a
   • Soyuz Rocket

8. Soyuz-U launches Soviet craft for Apollo-Soyuz

   Jul 15, 1975Labels: Soyuz 19, Soyuz-U, Apollo Soyuz

   • NASA ASTP
   • Astronautix

9. Soyuz 11A511 retires as Soyuz-U dominates

   Oct 14, 1976Labels: Soyuz 11A511, Soyuz-U, launcher retirement

   • Soyuz Rocket
   • GlobalSecurity

10. Soyuz-U2 debuts with higher-performance propellant

    Dec 23, 1982Labels: Soyuz-U2, syntin fuel, first flight

    • Soyuz U2
    • Soyuz Rocket

11. Energia makes first super-heavy launch attempt

    May 15, 1987Labels: Energia, Polyus, super-heavy

    • Buran fr
    • Energia Rocket

12. Buran reaches orbit atop Energia

    Nov 15, 1988Labels: Buran, Energia, automatic landing

    • TASS
    • Energia Rocket