Valeri Polyakov launched into orbit on January 8, 1994, aboard the Soyuz TM-18 spacecraft, marking the beginning of an ambitious mission to the Mir space station. As an experienced cosmonaut, Polyakov was part of an extensive program to understand the long-term effects of space travel on human physiology. This mission was significant not only for Polyakov but also for the Russian space program, which was seeking to push the boundaries of human endurance in space.

During his time aboard Mir, Polyakov conducted numerous experiments, gathering data crucial for future space missions, especially as agencies planned for human travel to Mars and beyond. His mission was characterized by both scientific experiments and routine maintenance of the Mir station. The data collected during this time would help to inform astronaut training, habitat construction, and life-support system design for deep space missions.

Polyakov returned to Earth after setting a record of 437 consecutive days in space, a feat that demonstrated the possibilities and challenges of extended human presence in orbit. His contribution was pivotal in deepening our understanding of how humans can adapt to long durations in microgravity, laying the groundwork for future exploration and missions to the International Space Station and beyond.