Launch from Baikonur; landing 202 km east of
Dzhezkazgan.
Following a one day solo flight the Soyuz docked with the
space station
Salyut 1 on 07.06.1971. The crew transferred into the
station. It was the first space station flight in space history.
Different scientific work in the areas of biology, astronomy and Earth
observation. The main instrument, a large solar telescope, was inoperative
because its cover failed to jettison. Mission was cut short due of problems
aboard the station including an electrical fire.
During landing
operations a pressure equalization valve was opened prematurly and the
cosmonauts perished due to a loss of cabin atmosphere and of non-wearing of
pressure suits. As a result of this disaster pressure suits were worn during
launch, docking-maneuvers and reentry in the following missions.