Salyut Program

The Salyut Program developed the Soviet Union's civilian orbital stations, beginning with Salyut 1 in 1971. Early stations supported scientific investigations and tested human adaptation to extended weightlessness but had a single docking port and limited logistics. Salyut 6 and Salyut 7 introduced two docking ports, enabling automated Progress resupply and refueling, visiting crews, and replacement Soyuz spacecraft alongside resident expeditions. These capabilities turned short station visits into sustained operations and prepared the way for Mir. The civilian effort is distinct from the military Almaz stations that also flew under public Salyut names.