The Soviet Union launches a redesigned vehicle, Soyuz 34, with no crew aboard. Under automated control, Soyuz 34 docks with space station Salyut 6, where it provides cosmonauts Vladimir Lyakhov and Valery Ryumin with a more reliable return capsule. Their original vehicle Soyuz 32 capsule is loaded with material to be returned to Earth, and it lands – unoccupied and without incident – on June 13th, and the station crew returns to Earth aboard Soyuz 34 in August.
