By: Faith Yizek 9H and Alex Neacsu 9M Mir Space station By: Faith Yizek 9H and Alex Neacsu 9M

About the Mir space station MIR Space Station was a space station that operated in low Earth orbit from 1986 to 2001, operated by the Soviet Union and later by Russia. MIR was the first modular space station and was assembled in orbit from 1986 to 1996. It had a greater mass than any previous spacecraft. At the time, it was the largest artificial satellite in orbit. The station served as a microgravity research laboratory in which crews conducted experiments in biology, human biology, physics, astronomy, meteorology and spacecraft systems with a goal of developing technologies required for permanent occupation of space.

Our project on the MIR Space Station

What was MIR’s Purpose? The MIR Space Station served as a floating laboratory for 23,000 scientific and medical experiments, and also used Space technology such as satellites, remote sensing, and space photography to make detailed assessments of the earth’s land and water. It’s residents arrived via the 31 spacecraft and docked with MIR. Nine of the dockings involved space shuttle. Additionally, 64 uncrewed cargo vessels brought supplies, such as food and equipment straight to MIR.

Is The MIR Still in orbit? March 23 2001, The MIR Space Station came crashing down to earth. Russia’s Space station launched during the Cold War, but later became a symbol of international collaboration. The MIR space station broke up over the South Pacific after a 15 year mission.

When was MIR LAUNCHED? BY WHO? The first module of the MIR Space Station - known as the core module, or base block - was launched in 1986 followed by 6 other modules. LThe Space Station was manufactured by Energia and operated by the Soviet Union and later by Russia. MIR was the first modular Space Station and was assembled in orbit from 1986-1996. And returned back to earth March 2001.

Components and functions kristall(1990) Kristall means “crystal”. This particular part of the space station supported biological and materials production technologies in the less gravity environment. It had a radial docking port, originally designed as a means of docking the Russian shuttle orbiter Buran, and was used for the first STS-71 docking in 1995. Priroda(1996) Priroda means "nature’’. This module's main purpose was earth remote sensing, including: the weather; the ocean-atmosphere system; land, mineral and crop conditions; and humankind's impacts and opportunities in the environment. The module provides the experimental investigation on earth, has remote sensing methods for earth observation.

Components and functions Kvant 1(1987) Kvant 1 was the first module to be attached in 1987 to the MIR Core Module. This module contained scientific instruments and materials for science experiments. It was used to conduct research into the physics of active galaxies, quasars and neutron stars. Some additions to Kvant 1 during its lifetime we’re solar arrays and the Sonora and Rapana girders. Kvant 2(1989) Kvant 2 was the third module and second major addition to the Mir space station. Its primary purpose was to deliver new science experiments, better life support systems, and an airlock to Mir.Kvant-2 had a system for regenerating water from urine and a shower for personal hygiene. Kvant-2's gyrodynes were only accessible from the exterior which turned out to make replacement of failed ones more difficult.

Components and functions Spektr (1995) Spektr was the fifth module of the Mir Space Station. The module was designed for remote observation of Earth's environment containing atmospheric and surface research equipment. Spektr also had four solar arrays which generated about half of the station's electrical power. MIR Base Block(1986) The main purpose of the Mir base block throughout the station's lifetime was a living area. It was equipped with a lavatory, two cabins for sleeping and privacy, entertainment including movies and music, exercise equipment, and medical equipment. It provides crews with a comfortable living area on the station.

Components and functions Shuttle Docking Module (1995) The MIR Docking Module was the sixth module of the Russian Space Station MIR. It was launched in November 1995. It was designed to help simplify space shuttle dockings to the MIR. The module was also used to transport two new photovoltaic arrays to the station, as a mounting point for external experiments, and as a storage module when not in use for dockings.

Fun facts An international crew of six people live and work while traveling at a speed of five miles per second, orbiting Earth about every 90 minutes. The living and working space in the station is larger than a six-bedroom house. Mir conducted the first study of the effects of long term weightlessness on human behavior, which helped us to understand the reaction of the human body and mind in interplanetary travel Mir is the longest lasting, most elaborate space station to date. The Mir’s astronauts performed more than the 78 spacewalks for a total time of 359 hours and 12 minutes.

Links Mir space station https://history.nasa.gov/SP-4225/mir/mir.htm https://www.popsci.com/what-was-mir-space-station