«We Can not Live without Each Other in Space»

On the basis of historical materials and recollections of colleagues, the author, a participant of preparation and realization of the international experimental space project (ASTP), tells about the first steps of interaction between specialists of the USSR and the USA in the field of cosmonautics for realization of meeting of their space crafts in the Earth orbit. The problem statement is considered - search for ships in flight orbits and docking by installing units of technically compatible design installed on ships of different size and crew living conditions. It shows the structural modifications of the Soyuz and Apollo space craft, which were carried out by the parties in order to achieve full compatibility of the on board systems of the space craft for a joint, after assembly, flight and exchange of visits by the crews of the spacecraft. In addition to political success, the joint flight under the EPAS program was of great scientific and technical importance and experience in the implementation of even larger projects, such as the Mir-Shuttle, Mir-NASA, International Space Station (ISS).