All day working. Astrophysical experiments, medical experiments. The visiting crew spends a lot of time looking at the Earth. Sasha Ivanchenkov shows us places that stood out most from his first flight.

In the evening I asked Jean: what about our station? What impression does it make? He answered: simple, maybe not very showy, but reliable.

Crew relations are comradely, though there’s not the ease in communication I’d like. Maybe Jean’s presence constrains us somewhat. He probably feels like a guest too.

Right now we’re looking at the Earth together, and he says: “How beautiful and strange it all is. Why are the clouds like that? Where are they going? So many mysteries.” He really wants to see Brittany, Paris, but it keeps not working out — when we pass over France, there’s always some experiment going on.

In the evening, dinner again. Jean is pleased; he likes everything.

I lay down and couldn’t sleep, so I started reading letters. Lyusya forwarded me a letter from Gurzadyan Grigory Aronovich, who headed the scientific program “Orion-2” on my first flight aboard Soyuz-13.

June 13, 1982, Garni

Dear Lyusya!

Today marks exactly one month since Valentin entered orbit. In connection with this first celebration, I heartily congratulate you, share your joy in the successes of our good friend, and wish him patience, even greater courage and persistence. I know Valentin, and am more than certain that in achieving his cherished dream — to go into space a second time — he will spare nothing, will do everything possible and impossible to justify the high trust and hopes placed in him. He understands the significance and historic nature of the lofty mission to which he has devoted the best years of his life.

I don’t forget the other thing for a minute either. Your worries and anxieties, every day, every minute. That too takes strength to bear; few people probably think about this — about the heroism of cosmonauts’ wives. I have no doubt that with your character, good sense, and composure, you will pass this difficult test with honor.

Together with you and the many friends and colleagues, I too will await his safe — of this I am absolutely certain — return, await it with the excitement of joy at the reunion, the successes, the triumph…

Sincerely yours

G. A. GURZADYAN

P.S. When you go on the radio link with Valentin, please give him my warmest regards and best wishes, tell him I follow his successes and look forward to our reunion, so I can give him that bottle of a special blend of Armenian cognac I’m keeping for him here, in Garni…