While the name of all seven stations bears the name Salyut, each station was radically different. The program served a variety of interests in the Soviet Union and the primary focus shifted from scientific to the military based on the political climate. It was the more peaceful uses of the technology that led to the Mir Space Station and to the cooperative Intercosmos program. Intercosmos was a program that allowed scientists from other countries to fly aboard Russian space stations.

Salyut 1 was placed into orbit in 1971 and was occupied from June 6 to June 29. The Soyuz 10 crew successfully docked with Salyut 1 and worked in the lab for nearly three weeks. Upon departure, however, the crew was tragically killed when there Soyuz capsule lost its oxygen. Despite this setback, the Soviets continued their station program.

A technological misfortune occurred with Salyut 2. Once the station was in orbit, there was a control malfunction that prevented it from being occupied. Luckily, there was no loss of life but, it was a blow to the Soviet Space program.

The Salyut 2,3, and 5 missions were also known as the Almaz project. These were primarily military missions that incorporated a large optical telescope into the design. The telescope was used for reconnaissance of military installations.

Salyut 6 and 7 were the longest of the Salyut flights. Both stations were occupied for over four years. Salyut 6 was occupied from December 10, 1977 to May 22, 1981. Salyut 7 was occupied from May 13, 1982 to June 25, 1986. These two stations prepared the Russians for running and maintaining the Mir and for their future role as essential partners in the International Space Station.

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