Constructing Space Station Mir

The scientific and technological modules must provide easy access and state-of-the-art facilities. The Mir complex, composed of 6 individual modules: KVANT-1, KVANT-2, KRISTALL, PRIRODA and SPEKTR.

Mir Core 

The core station contains all the necessities for human habitation. It is consists of four compartments: working, transfer, intermediate and assembly compartments (only the assembly compartment is not pressurized).

The core section of the station houses the working compartment made up of living and operational quarters and is the main habitable section for the crew. The living area contains personal spaces, hygiene areas and the galley (eating area), as well as the key monitoring systems (science equipment and facilities and propulsion). Crew members cabins each contain a chair, a sleeping bag, and a porthole. The personal hygiene area holds a toilet, sink, and shower, and the galley consists of a table, cooking elements, and trash storage.

The operations area is the control area for the entire Mir complex. Here the crew can monitor and command core systems, science equipment and facilities and the piloting station. Inside this 43-foot-long Module are also medical monitoring equipment and a bicycle ergometer for exercise.

The multiple docking ports of the transfer compartment allow for the addition of secondary station modules or transport craft. The intermediate compartment is a pressurized tunnel 6 feet in diameter that connects the working module to the aft docking port. Main engine and fuel tanks are located in the non-pressurized assembly compartment.

To make the station a more humane environment, the Mir complex has distinct floors, walls, and ceilings, carpet on the floor, colored walls, and a white ceiling with fluorescent lighting. From dark green carpet and light green walls to a living area with soft pastel colors, the station provides cosmonauts with a homey atmosphere.

Mir Core Additions

Kvant-1 (first addition to the Mir core)

Research into the physics of active galaxies, quasars, and neutron stars, is undertaken using this Astrophysics module. Data is gathered with devices which measure the electromagnetic Spektra and x-ray emissions of these diverse objects. Kvant-1 is 19 feet long, and is divided into a pressurized laboratory compartment and a non-pressurized equipment compartment. It has gyrostabilizers that can change the station attitude without propulsive fuel.

Kvant-2 (second addition to the Mir core) 

The Scientific and Airlock module provides equipment for biological research data, Earth observation data, and EVA capability. Over 40 feet long, it is used for experiments in the effects of space exposure on electronics and construction materials. The Kvant-2 includes potable water and oxygen provisions, and motion control systems, as well as shower and washing facilities.

Kristall Technological module (third addition to the Mir core)

Used for biological and materials processing technology development in the space environment, Kristall has a docking port that can be used with the US Space Shuttle. Two storable solar arrays, and science and technology equipment are aboard the 39 feet long Kristall. There are also motion control, energy supply, electrical, environmental control and thermal control systems on this module.

Priroda Remote Sensing module (final addition arrived Apr. 26, 1996)

The equipment on Priroda includes: active, passive, and infrared radiometers, a synthetic aperture radar, and several types of spectrometers. The spectrometer is used for measuring ozone and aerosol concentrations in the atmosphere.

Spektr 

The Spektr Remote Sensing payload is used to study particles in Low Earth Orbit. Spektr carries four solar arrays as well as other scientific equipment.

Docking Module

The module, which arrived on the payload bay of Atlantis (STS-74, 1995), allows future Shuttle dockings with Mir.

Space Transport for Mir Space Station

Soyuz-TM Spacecraft

Used to transport crews and cargo to and from the Mir Space Station, the Soyuz-TM module is made up-of three compartments: the orbital module, the descent module and the instrumentation module.

Progress-M Cargo Transport:

A cargo and resupply vehicle used to send science equipment and data to and from Mir, as well as food supplies and crew mail. On the return trip to Earth, Progress-M  takes care of removal of waste materials from the Space Station.

References:

http://www.maximov.com/Mir/mirdesign.asp