This #docking system was originally designed for the Apollo-Soyuz Test project in which an American Apollo and Soviet Soyuz spacecraft met in orbit and docked.
The #APAS, Androgynous Peripheral Attach System, can dock to any other APAS system, unlike a probe-and-drogue system.
The Soviets continued developing the system for their Mir station and Buran shuttle.
However, instead of a Soviet shuttle docking to Mir, it was the American Space Shuttle.
In a post-Cold War show of friendship, the #SpaceShuttle was modified with a docking collar meant for another vehicle and used it to visit Mir and deliver supplies and help change crews.
This #photograph was taken at the #Atlantis #museum, where Atlantis is on display at Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex.
Get a print or other merchandise at https://heronfox.pixels.com/featured/view-of-atlantis-apas-docking-system-1-heron-and-fox.html
#SpaceShuttleAtlantis, #AtlantisMuseum, #DockingSystem, #Photography