Launch from Baikonur; landing 202 km east of Dzhezkazgan.

Docking with spacestation Salyut 1; transfer 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.