The Mir space station was a remarkable achievement in space engineering, constructed module by module over a decade. Let’s explore each component that made up this pioneering orbital complex.

The modular design allowed Mir to grow and evolve over its lifetime, eventually becoming the most sophisticated space station of its era. Each module added new capabilities, making Mir a versatile platform for scientific research, technological development, and international cooperation in space.

Mir Station Modules

Core Module (Base Block) – Launched February 20, 1986

The heart of Mir was its core module, a cylindrical structure measuring 13 meters long and 4.2 meters in diameter. This module served as:

  • Main living quarters for the crew
  • Central control center
  • Featured six docking ports (4 radial, 2 axial)
  • Provided basic life support systems
  • Mass: 20.4 tons

Kvant-1 Module – Docked March 12, 1987

The first expansion module added to Mir:

  • Primary purpose: Astrophysics research
  • Contained x-ray and ultraviolet telescopes
  • Provided additional life support systems
  • Located at the rear port of the core module
  • Mass: 11 tons

Kvant-2 Module – Docked December 6, 1989

Enhanced the station’s capabilities with:

  • EVA airlock for spacewalks
  • Additional life support equipment
  • New solar arrays for power generation
  • Motion control systems
  • Mass: 19.6 tons

Kristall Module – Docked June 10, 1990

A specialized laboratory module featuring:

  • Materials processing technology
  • Biological research facilities
  • Retractable solar arrays
  • Greenhouse equipment
  • Special docking port for Space Shuttle visits
  • Supported spacecraft up to 100 tons

Shuttle Docking Module – Added 1995

Purpose-built addition that:

  • Facilitated Space Shuttle docking
  • Attached to the Kristall module
  • Provided necessary clearance for Shuttle operations

Spektr Module – Docked June 1, 1995

Scientific module equipped with:

  • Earth observation instruments
  • Four solar arrays
  • Additional scientific equipment
  • Served as power generation hub

Priroda Module – Docked April 27, 1996

The final major addition featuring:

  • Remote sensing equipment
  • Earth resource monitoring tools
  • Various scientific instruments including:
    • Active and passive radiometers
    • Infrared sensors
    • Synthetic aperture radar
    • Spectrometers for atmospheric studies

Technical Specifications

Complete station statistics:

  • Total Mass: 140 metric tons
  • Length: 30 meters
  • Width: 33 meters
  • Orbital Height: 375-410 km
  • Interior Volume: 400 cubic meters
  • Power Generation: Multiple solar arrays
  • Orbit Duration: 92 minutes

Supporting Spacecraft

The station was regularly serviced by:

  • Soyuz-TM spacecraft for crew transport
  • Progress cargo ships for supplies
  • Space Shuttles during the Shuttle-Mir program

This modular design allowed Mir to grow and evolve over its lifetime, eventually becoming the most sophisticated space station of its era. Each module added new capabilities, making Mir a versatile platform for scientific research, technological development, and international cooperation in space.