Peace Came to Earth

Author: Linda DeLaine
Website: RL Online
Department:
Page: 2   ( 3) pages

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.

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