The invention relates to an apparatus for connecting/separating a launch vehicle and a satellite, comprising a strip (11) with an inner channel which slidably houses a plurality of clamps (13), which is applied against rings (15, 17) that form the connection interface between the two vehicles. The invention also comprises means (19) for radially tightening the assembly comprising the strip (11) and clamps (13), and a device for joining/separating (41, 61, 71) the ends (7, 9) thereof, which, together with locking (47) and unlocking (48) means, includes a mechanism that enables the controlled opening of the strip (11) in two phases, namely: a first phase in which the ends (7, 9) move with contact being maintained with the rings (15, 17), thereby dissipating the elastic energy corresponding to the tightening of the strip (11) by means of friction; ; and a second phase in which the strip (11) separates from the rings (15, 17) until a parking position is reached.