The day of signing the “labor agreement” to extend the spaceflight. We’re performing geophysical experiments. Photographed USSR territory, Cuba, developing African countries with which we have agreements on natural resource research. Additionally, we’re recording with the “Niva” video recorder because we wanted to show everyone Gagarin’s orbit — as if through his eyes, the Earth he saw first from space. We used all the clean cassettes, and now we’re recording over Joe Dassin, Pugachova, Raikin.

At 2 PM we were officially offered to continue the flight, meaning an extension of 40 more days beyond the previously approved program. We said we agree, provided it’s not a goal in itself to fly over 200 days, but is backed by additional work. We asked for more dynamics for experiments, more autonomy in planning, and for them to consider a second EVA. They said they’d discuss the EVA with specialists and promised to satisfy our other requests. Now about three more months of flight await us — frankly, that’s hard, but I wanted this even before the flight. And if they hadn’t extended it, I’d have been dissatisfied that I couldn’t accomplish what I’d planned and walk a path no one had walked before.

A record! Every person in one field or another strives to set one, as it’s a test of one’s ability to understand and surpass oneself. And of course, after such a flight, we’ll be happy.

So onward. The main things are health and morale.

We’re expecting the cargo ship soon, and life will be easier with it. I’m glad and confident — we’ll endure. So, Valek, let’s see about your gunpowder. And after the flight, as we’ve already agreed with the ground, we’ll rest separately. Not because of any insurmountable animosity, but because we tire of each other, from the close interaction on the station. Here, our life and work are such that our eyes, ears, and brain register details we’d never notice in ordinary life or would quickly forget.