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Today in History: First Space Station Salyut 1 Launched in 1971

4/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 19, 1971, the Soviet Union launched Salyut 1, the world's first space station, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This pioneering spacecraft marked a significant milestone in human space exploration, paving the way for subsequent missions and the development of future space stations, including the core module of the International Space Station.

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Story summary

On April 19, 1971, the Soviet Union launched Salyut 1, the world's first space station, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This pioneering spacecraft marked a significant milestone in human space exploration, paving the way for subsequent missions and the development of future space stations, including the core module of the International Space Station.