The first results of glaciological research carried out from the orbital space station Salyut‐6 are discussed. The studies included visual observations by cosmonauts and post‐mission analysis of photographs of snow cover and glaciers. The glacierized Pamir Mountains were used as an experimental area. Cosmonauts on the Salyut‐6 examined the area with regard to the amount of snow cover on the ground; observations permitted the forecasting of glacier surges and also revealed evidence of past advances. The observations also showed runoff from glacier‐dammed lakes. The studies of glacier dynamics on the Northern and Southern Patagonian Plateau, South America, showed abrupt changes in the termini of the O'Higgins, Moreno and Braggen glaciers. This pronounced activity is induced by the great glacial energy of Patagonia and by the interaction of floating glacier termini with water.