'''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 after 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