Mir-2

Mir-2 was a space station project begun in February 1976. Some of the modules built for Mir-2 have been incorporated into the International Space Station (ISS).

Project history

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.

The Mir-2 project evolution was:

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.

14 December 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 tonne modules.

• Launch 1 - DOS 8,providing housing for the assembly crew.
• Launch 2 - 90 Tonne module.
• Launch 3 - Truss and solar arrays.
• Launches 4 to 6 - additional 90 tonne 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 tonnes 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: Mir-2 incorporated into the International Space Station

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 docking compartment) - one of the docking modules originally designed for Buran/Mir-2 was added to the station in September 2001.

External links

• Mir-2 on Astronautix