SALYUT SPACE STATION

There were two generations of Salyut space stations, and the design remained largely unchanged (similar to the picture), with the main changes being upgrades in technology.

First-generation space stations had one docking port and could not be resupplied or refueled. They included Salyut 1 through Salyut 5. The stations were launched unmanned and later occupied by crews. There were two types: Almaz military stations and Salyut civilian stations. In order to cause confusion, the Soviets called both types Salyut. Salyut 1 and 4 were civilian space stations. Salyut 2, 3, and 5 had a military objective and were equipped with a large optical telescope for reconnaissance imaging of military installations on Earth. The Almaz project later switched to unmanned missions, and continues its function as Earth observing radarsatellites.

Salyut 1 was the first space station in history. It was about 47.5 feet long and weighed about 41,667 pounds. It carried seven experimental work stations. Station 1 was the central work station, holding most of the scientific equipment. Station 2 was the astropost, designed for working with the astro-navigation system. It also had a control for orienting Salyut and a viewing port. Station 3 was designed to control scientific equipment. It had a control panel and a viewing port. Station 4 was used for controlling scientific experiments and medical equipment. Station 5 was the position from which the Orion-1 telescope was controlled. It held control panels, a viewing port, and a sight arm system for guiding the telescope. Station 6 was a second astropost.

With the second-generation stations (Salyut 6 and 7), the Soviet space station program developed from short-duration stays to long duration stays. These stations had two docking ports. This allowed refueling and resupply by automated Progress freighters. A second docking port also meant long-duration crews could receive visitors. Salyut 6 hosted cosmonauts from Hungary, Poland, Romania, Cuba, Mongolia, Vietnam, and East Germany. The longest stay for a Salyut crew was 185 days.

Salyut 7 was much the same as Salyut 6. Cosmonauts from France and India worked aboard the station as well as the first female traveler since 1963. The longest stay for a Salyut 7 Crew was 237 days.

BRIEF CHRONOLOGY OF SALYUT LAUNCH AND REENTRY DATES

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