On September 18, 1980, the Soyuz 38 spacecraft was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, carrying a crew of two cosmonauts: Soviet commander Viktor Patsayev and Cuban cosmonaut Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez. This mission was notable for being the first time a Cuban citizen traveled into space, making it a landmark event in space exploration and international cooperation during the Cold War. The primary objective of the mission was to support the ongoing scientific experiments aboard the Salyut 6 space station, which included life sciences and Earth observation tasks.

During their time aboard Salyut 6, Patsayev and Méndez conducted a range of experiments that contributed valuable data to fields such as biology, biotechnology, and materials science. Their collaboration exemplified the Soviet Union's efforts to strengthen alliances with non-aligned countries, particularly in Latin America. The mission lasted nearly eight days, and upon returning to Earth, the cosmonauts were celebrated for their achievements, further cementing Cuban-Soviet ties. The successful operation of Soyuz 38 also showcased the reliability of the Soyuz program, an integral part of Soviet space operations.

Upon re-entry, the crew landed safely, marking a successful conclusion to their mission. The culmination of joint scientific endeavors during the mission had implications beyond just space exploration, as it also played a role in the geopolitical landscape of the time. The cooperation showcased through this mission acted as a bridge for future joint ventures between both nations.