On May 3rd, 1987, Energia-Kvant was launched from Baikonur, carrying the new Mir module Kvant. Mir, at the time was designed to be a long-term orbital research laboratory, but it's purpose would be changed with the goal. The next module, was to be intended as the Kristall, for the Buran to dock with it. With a long-term lunar mission in mind, lunar crews would be launched on a Buran Shuttle-type to train for their upcoming mission.

Throughout the rest of the period, preparations would...