Soyuz 21

Soyuz 21 carried cosmonauts Boris Volynov and Vitali Zholobov to the Salyut 5 space station.

Experiments conducted during the mission were mainly of a military nature as part of the Almaz programme. However, various purely scientific tasks were also carried out, including solar observations and biological observations (an aquarium of fish was carried into orbit). A TV link-up with school children was also undertaken.

The cosmonauts' stay was cut short, although the reasons are not completely clear. Mention has been made of poisonous vapours present on the station, but the crew also seemed to be suffering psychologically and physically for other reasons. Zholobov in particular experienced terrible space-sickness and homesickness.

Crew

• Boris Volynov
• Vitali Zholobov