{"product_id":"1987-soviet-syrian-soyuz-tm-3-mir-space-mission-badge-exceptionally-rare-original-issue","title":"1987 Soviet–Syrian Soyuz TM-3 Mir Space Mission Badge – Exceptionally Rare Original Issue","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item – Only One Available. An exceptionally rare original 1987 Soviet–Syrian spaceflight commemorative badge honoring the historic Soyuz TM-3 mission to the Mir orbital station, a landmark achievement in Soviet international space cooperation and the first human spaceflight involving the Syrian Arab Republic. Launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on 22 July 1987, the mission carried Soviet cosmonauts Aleksandr Viktorenko and Aleksandr Aleksandrov alongside Muhammed Faris, a Syrian Air Force officer who became the first Syrian citizen to travel into space. Conducted under the Soviet Intercosmos program, the joint expedition undertook scientific experiments in space medicine, materials science, and Earth observation, including studies of Syrian territory from orbit. Faris and Viktorenko returned to Earth aboard Soyuz TM-2 on 30 July, while Aleksandrov remained aboard Mir as part of its long-duration crew. The Soyuz TM-3 spacecraft completed its extended orbital mission on 29 December 1987, returning after more than five months in space. This commemorative issue captures both the historic Soviet–Syrian partnership and the complete operational dates of the spacecraft, making it a particularly significant example of Cold War-era international spaceflight memorabilia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe badge is an elaborate two-part suspended construction, combining richly colored red, cobalt-blue, white, and black enamel with finely defined gilt metalwork. Its rectangular upper suspension bears the inscription \"Soyuz TM-3\" and the mission dates \"22 July 1987 – 29 December 1987,\" framed by a narrow white-enamel border. Suspended beneath by two connecting rings is a large circular medallion displaying the contrasting national emblems and colors of the Soviet Union and Syrian Arab Republic. The left section incorporates the Soviet hammer and sickle against a red-enamel field, while the right features the Syrian national tricolor and two stars. The central composition is dominated by stylized representations of the Earth, enclosed within sweeping orbital bands symbolizing space exploration and international scientific cooperation. The inscriptions identify the Soviet Union and Syrian Arab Republic, with the year 1987 prominently positioned along the lower circumference. The badge retains its original distinctive appearance, with vivid period enamelwork, sharply defined gilt outlines, and visible age-related surface wear, including minor localized enamel imperfections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong Soviet space-program collectibles, this particular Soyuz TM-3 badge stands apart for its unusual suspended construction, sophisticated enamel design, and direct association with one of the most historically important international missions of the Mir era. While small-format Soviet spaceflight commemorative pins are relatively familiar to collectors, examples of this specific two-part design are exceptionally elusive on the specialist market, making it a particularly desirable acquisition for advanced collectors of Soviet cosmonautics. Its significance extends well beyond the spacecraft itself, commemorating Syria's first human spaceflight, the early international expeditions aboard Mir, and a distinctive chapter of Cold War scientific diplomacy. Combining an important historical milestone with an unusually elaborate and seldom-encountered commemorative design, this is an exceptionally rare original 1987 issue for a serious collection of Soviet space exploration, Intercosmos missions, and international spaceflight insignia.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soviet Union","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53395111903544,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0799\/1256\/7096\/files\/IMG_3150.jpg?v=1792411832","url":"https:\/\/khanmilitaria.com\/products\/1987-soviet-syrian-soyuz-tm-3-mir-space-mission-badge-exceptionally-rare-original-issue","provider":"KhanMilitaria","version":"1.0","type":"link"}