Mir-2
One concept of Mir-2
Station statistics
Crew2-3, up to 6 (two longstay typical)
Mission statusCanceled, project converted into International Space Station
Mass90,000 kg
Length59.3 m
Width36.2 m
Height17.7 m
Periapsis altitude350 km (220 mi)
Apoapsis altitude450 km (280 mi)
Orbital inclination64.8 deg


Mir-2 was a Soviet space station project which began in February 1976.[1] Some of the modules built for Mir-2 have been incorporated into the International Space Station (ISS). The project underwent many changes, but was always based on the DOS-8 base block space station core module, built as a back-up to the DOS-7 base block used in the Mir station. The DOS-8 base block was eventually used as the Zvezda module of the ISS. Its design lineage extends back to the original Salyut stations.[2][3][4]

Project history

The evolution of the Mir-2 project

1981 to 1987: KB Salyut Mir-2

The prototype of the central module was as Polyus. Mir-2 would be capable of docking at least four modules in ordinary operation.

December 14, 1987: NPO Energia Mir-2

Designated as OSETS (Orbital Assembly and Operations Centre). The station would be built in a 65 degree orbit and consist of 90 ton modules.

  • Launch 1 - DOS 8, providing housing for the assembly crew.
  • Launch 2 - 90 ton module.
  • Launch 3 - Truss and solar arrays.
  • Launches 4 to 6 - additional 90 ton modules.

1991: "Mir-1.5"

This would involve launch of the DOS-8, after which the Buran shuttle would grapple the module, rendezvous with Mir, and attach it to the old DOS-7 base block. This plan was later altered so that DOS-8 would maneuver and dock itself to Mir. It would remain attached for two years.

1992: "Mir-2"

The station would consist of the DOS-8 core module and a cross beam called the NEP (Science Power Platform). This was equipped with MSB retractable solar panels, Sfora thruster packages and small scientific packages.

Four 3 to 4 ton modules were planned:

  • Docking Module - with the APDS universal androgynous docking system, and a side hatch for space walks
  • Resource Module - Equipped with gyrodynes for orienting the station and a passive docking port for docking of Soyuz or Progress ferry spacecraft
  • Technology Module - with materials experiments
  • Biotechnology Module

November 1993: International Space Station built around Mir-2

The Russian Orbital Segment

Russian elements of the International Space Station include:

  • Zarya FGB, the first element launched. This was a US-funded TKS-derived propulsion module built by KB Salyut.
  • Zvezda Service Module - this is the DOS-8 station, which was launched as the third major ISS module in July 2000.
  • SO-1 (Pirs) - one of the docking modules originally designed for Buran/Mir-2 was added to the station in September 2001.
  • SO-2 Poisk - A module similar to Pirs. Poisk also provides extra space for scientific experiments, and power-supply outlets and data-transmission interfaces for external scientific payloads.
  • Rassvet - the only module delivered by NASA shuttle, in a barter exchange for the launch 'owed' for Zarya. Rassvet is used for cargo storage, science, and as a docking port for visiting spacecraft.

References

  1. ↑ "Mir-2". Astronautix. Archived from the original on August 20, 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
  2. ↑ Anatoly Zak. "International Space Station - MIR-2: Russian roots of the ISS program (1969-1992)". Russian Space Web. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
  3. ↑ "ISS Elements: Service Module ("Zvezda")". SpaceRef.com. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
  4. ↑ Henry Spencer (2 November 2010). "High life: a short history of the space station". New Scientist. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
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