# Soyuz TM-15

> the 15th expedition to the Mir space station

**Wikidata**: [Q1540622](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1540622)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz_TM-15)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/soyuz-tm-15

## Summary
Soyuz TM-15 was the 15th expedition to the Mir space station, launched by Russia in 1992 as part of the Soyuz programme. It carried a crew of three, including the first French cosmonaut to visit Mir, and conducted scientific research during its mission.

## Key Facts
- **Mission**: 15th expedition to the Mir space station.
- **Launch Date**: July 27, 1992, from Baikonur Cosmodrome (Gagarin's Start).
- **Landing Date**: August 1, 1993, in Kazakhstan.
- **Crew**: Anatoly Solovyev (commander), Sergey Avdeyev (flight engineer), and Michel Tognini (research cosmonaut).
- **Duration**: 16,321,275 seconds (approximately 188 days).
- **Orbital Parameters**: Apoapsis of 216 km, periapsis of 196 km, inclination of 51.64 degrees.
- **Orbits Completed**: 3,070 orbits of Earth.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U2 rocket.
- **Operator**: Roscosmos State Corporation.
- **Preceded by**: Soyuz TM-14; **Followed by**: Soyuz TM-16.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Soyuz TM-15?
A: Soyuz TM-15 was a crewed mission to the Mir space station, conducting scientific research and maintaining the station's operations.

### Q: Who were the crew members of Soyuz TM-15?
A: The crew consisted of Anatoly Solovyev (commander), Sergey Avdeyev (flight engineer), and Michel Tognini (research cosmonaut).

### Q: How long did Soyuz TM-15 stay in space?
A: The mission lasted approximately 188 days, from July 27, 1992, to August 1, 1993.

### Q: What rocket launched Soyuz TM-15?
A: The mission was launched using a Soyuz-U2 carrier rocket.

### Q: What was notable about Michel Tognini's role in Soyuz TM-15?
A: Michel Tognini was the first French cosmonaut to visit the Mir space station.

## Why It Matters
Soyuz TM-15 played a crucial role in the ongoing operations and scientific research conducted aboard the Mir space station. As part of the Soyuz programme, it demonstrated Russia's capabilities in human spaceflight and international cooperation, particularly with the inclusion of a French cosmonaut. The mission contributed to the understanding of long-duration spaceflight and the maintenance of a space station, paving the way for future international collaborations like the International Space Station (ISS). Additionally, the mission's success reinforced the reliability of the Soyuz spacecraft, which remains a cornerstone of human spaceflight today.

## Notable For
- **First French Cosmonaut on Mir**: Michel Tognini became the first French cosmonaut to visit the Mir space station.
- **Long-Duration Mission**: The mission lasted approximately 188 days, contributing to the understanding of long-duration spaceflight.
- **Scientific Research**: Conducted various scientific experiments and research during its stay on Mir.
- **International Cooperation**: Demonstrated collaboration between Russia and France in human spaceflight.
- **Reliability of Soyuz Spacecraft**: Reinforced the reliability and effectiveness of the Soyuz-TM spacecraft for crewed missions.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Soyuz TM-15 was the 15th expedition to the Mir space station, launched on July 27, 1992, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The mission was part of the Soyuz programme, which has been a cornerstone of Russian human spaceflight.

### Crew
The crew of Soyuz TM-15 consisted of:
- **Anatoly Solovyev**: Spacecraft commander.
- **Sergey Avdeyev**: Flight Engineer 1.
- **Michel Tognini**: Research Cosmonaut, representing France.

### Launch and Landing
- **Launch**: July 27, 1992, from Baikonur Cosmodrome (Gagarin's Start) using a Soyuz-U2 carrier rocket.
- **Landing**: August 1, 1993, in Kazakhstan.

### Orbital Parameters
- **Apoapsis**: 216 km.
- **Periapsis**: 196 km.
- **Orbital Inclination**: 51.64 degrees.
- **Orbital Period**: 88.5 minutes.
- **Orbits Completed**: 3,070 orbits of Earth.

### Mission Duration
The mission lasted approximately 188 days, with a total duration of 16,321,275 seconds.

### Scientific Research
During their stay on Mir, the crew conducted various scientific experiments and research, contributing to the understanding of long-duration spaceflight and the effects of microgravity on the human body.

### International Cooperation
The inclusion of Michel Tognini, a French cosmonaut, highlighted the international cooperation aspect of the mission, demonstrating the collaborative efforts between Russia and France in human spaceflight.

### Significance
Soyuz TM-15 reinforced the reliability of the Soyuz spacecraft and contributed to the ongoing operations and scientific research conducted aboard the Mir space station. The mission's success paved the way for future international collaborations in space exploration.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Soyuz TM-15",
  "description": "The 15th expedition to the Mir space station, launched by Russia in 1992.",
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/mission/english/soyuz-tm-15.htm)