Served as a receptacle for contaminated fuel from the damaged Salyut 6 propulsion system.

[5][6] The Progress 7K-TG spacecraft was the first generation Progress, derived from the Soyuz 7K-T and intended for uncrewed logistics missions to space stations in support of the Salyut programme.

Each spacecraft could accommodate up to 2,500 kilograms (5,500 lb) of payload, consisting of dry cargo and propellant.

The spacecraft were powered by chemical batteries, and could operate in free flight for up to three days, remaining docked to the station for up to thirty.

[7] Progress 5 launched on 12 March 1979 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.