Launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome; 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 were part of the scientific work. The main instrument, a large solar telescope, was inoperative because its cover failed to jettison. The mission was cut short due of problems aboard the station including an electrical fire.

During the 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.