Soyuz T-14

Mission highlights

Soyuz T-14 was the 9th expedition to Salyut 7. Cosmonaut Vasyutin returns to earth early due to illness.

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Demonstrated the wisdom of maintaining a Soyuz at Salyut 7 as an emergency

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medical evacuation vehicle. Vasyutin, the mission commander, fell ill, forcing

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early termination of the planned 6-mo mission.

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The main goals of the Chegets were to receive Cosmos 1686, a modified TKS, and conduct spacewalks with application to future space stations. The first goal was achieved on October 2. Cosmos 1686 contained 4500 kg of freight, including large items like a girder to be assembled outside Salyut 7, and the Kristallizator materials processing apparatus. Vasyutin ill. However, the Chegets were unable to achieve their second goal. By late October Vasyutin was no longer helping with experiments because he was ill. On November 13 the cosmonauts began scrambling their communications with the TsUP. Return to Earth occurred soon after.

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