With the increased military stand off between the Soviet Union and the USA, after the 1962 Cuban crisis, leaders of both countries were more and more concerned with the possibility of the military use of Space. In the manned space programs, specialists in both countries came quickly to the conclusion that visual and technical intelligence under a cosmonaut's/astronaut's supervision would prove most effective.

That's why the USA "Launched" the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) – and in 1965-1967 composed a military astronauts team of 17 officers, who started training for missions. Due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of funds, (which were spent on the Apollo project) – the program was terminated in 1969.

The Soviet Union started a similar project in October 1964 – when the Chelomey Design Bureau started the "Almaz" manned station program. The main differences between the "civilian" station, designed in Korolyov's Design Bureau (OKB-1) were:

- Powerful photo equipment
- Precise targeting equipment
- The presence of a rapid-firing anti-satellite cannon

In contrast with the USA – The Soviet Union accomplished its objective and constructed several military stations, which were launched into Space with on board missions. Covert and highly secret, they all were launched under the "civilian" designation for stations – "Salyut". Their official Soviet designation was – "OPS" – Orbital Piloted Station.



"Almaz" stations and missions launched into Space:

April 3, 1973 – launch of Salyut-2 (OPS-1)
A second mission which stood ready to launch and reconnoiter – Soyuz-12 – with cosmonauts Popovich and Artyukhin onboard, but because the station depressurized in Space on the 12th day of flight – their mission was cancelled.

June 25, 1974 – launch of Salyut-3 (OPS-2)
There were two missions – Soyuz-14 – a 15-day mission, and Soyuz-15 – failed to dock with the station.

June 22, 1976 – launch of Salyut-5 (OPS-3)
Had three missions – Soyuz-21 – 49 days.
Soyuz-23 – failed to dock.
Soyuz-24 – 17 days.

There was an OPS-4 under construction, but because of financial cuts – the project was changed to an unmanned station and than in December 1981 halted.