Peace Came to Earth
Author: Linda DeLaine
Publication: Website
Date:
Thursday, March 15, 2007
The MIR core
module (20.9 tonnes, 13.13 m x 4.15 m) was launched on February 20,
1986. It contained the living quarters, galley, storage, crew cabins and
personal hygiene area. It also included the monitoring and command of the space
station's systems, electric power system, thermal control, computers,
communications, tracking and environment and life support systems.
Kvant 1 (11 tonnes, 5.8 m x
4.15 m) headed into space in March of 1987. It housed the laboratory bay and
astronomical observatory designed to send back information used in the study of
the physics of galaxies, quasars and neutron stars. Kvant 1 was, also, involved
in biotechnical experiments and was the main docking port for the Progress
service craft.
In November of 1989, Kvant 2
(18.5 tonnes, 13.73m x 4.35 m) was added to Mir. It served as a provider of
biological research data and as an extension module, supporting Extra Vehicular
Activity (EVA).
Kristall was
added to Mir in May, 1990 (19.6 tonnes, 13.7 m x 4.35 m). This module featured
solar panels that could be folded and unfolded and supported the electrical
power system of Mir. Kristall, also, provided the docking port for the Space
Shuttle.
Spektr (19.6 tonnes, 13m x
4,35 m) joined the space station in May of 1995. It studied X and Gamma rays
and their affects on the Earth. Spektr was damaged on June 25, 1997 when a
Progress craft crashed into its solar panels.
April 1996 saw the launch of Priroda (19.7 tonnes). This relatively small module
was designed to study Earth's ecological problems, monitor the ozone and record
ocean and cloud temperatures.
The Progress M (7.2 tonnes,
7 m x 2.6 m) is an unmanned craft which serves as a cargo transport used to
replenish supplies and carry equipment to Mir. It also removed waste and
brought experiment data back to Russian space scientists on Earth. Progress is
comprised of three units and can carry up to 2,400 kg. The components include
orbital, tanker and the rocket motor section.
Soyuz TM (6.8 tonnes, 7 m x 2.6 m) carries cargo and crews to and from the space station. It can carry up to three crew members and is designed to dock with Mir and the ISS.
Next Page > Mir's Final Mission > Page 1, 2, 3
