Over two years had passed since the last manned Soviet space flight.
It was launched 20 years after the first manned space flight.
Indeed, manned space flight in general has turned out to be a bust.
Now it's back, just as we're getting ready for the most ambitious manned space flight in our history.
In other words, it is manned space flight that sells.
Russia has more experience in sustained manned space flight than any other country.
Not surprisingly, the answer to the question "Who is responsible for manned flight?"
This historic first international manned space flight was completed in July 1975.
This will be the first time that Lockheed has been given a lead role in manned space flight.
His is the first successful manned flight beyond the Sol system.