Mir-2

{{Short description|Proposed Russian space station}}

{{About|the proposed space station|other uses|Mir 2 (disambiguation){{!}}Mir 2}}

{{refimprove|date=August 2011}}

{{Infobox space station

| station = Mir-2

| station_image = Mir-2 concept.jpg

| station_image_caption = One concept of Mir-2

| crew = 2-3, up to 6 (two longstay typical)

| launch =

| status = Canceled, project converted into International Space Station

| mass = 90,000 kg

| length = 59.3 m

| width = 36.2 m

| height = 17.7 m

| diameter =

| volume =

| pressure =

| perigee = {{convert|350|km|abbr=on}}

| apogee = {{convert|450|km|abbr=on}}

| inclination = 64.8 deg

| altitude =

| speed =

| period =

| orbits_day =

| stats_ref =

| configuration_image =

| configuration_landscape=

| configuration_size =

| configuration_alt =

| configuration_caption =

}}

Mir-2 was a Soviet space station project which began in February 1976.{{cite web|title=Mir-2|url=http://www.astronautix.com/m/mir-2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820191936/http://www.astronautix.com/m/mir-2.html|archive-date=August 20, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=12 February 2011|publisher=Astronautix}} 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.{{cite web

| author = Anatoly Zak

| title = International Space Station - MIR-2: Russian roots of the ISS program (1969-1992)

| url = http://www.russianspaceweb.com/iss.html

| publisher = Russian Space Web

| access-date = 12 February 2011

}}{{cite web

| title = ISS Elements: Service Module ("Zvezda")

| url = http://www.spaceref.com/iss/elements/sm.html

| publisher = SpaceRef.com

| access-date = 12 February 2011

}}{{cite web

| author = Henry Spencer

| title = High life: a short history of the space station

| url = https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19668-high-life-a-short-history-of-the-space-station.html

| date = 2 November 2010

| publisher = New Scientist

| access-date = 12 February 2011

}}

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==

File:Russian Orbital Segment.png in 2011]]

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 block, 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, and later deorbited in July 2021 to make room for Nauka.
  • 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 was built from a test article for the pressurized shell portion of NEP. It is used for cargo storage, science, and as a docking port for visiting spacecraft.
  • Nauka FGB-2 - this is Russia's largest module and only module dedicated wholly to science, and was launched in July 2021, with the European Robotic Arm attached.
  • Prichal UM - the 'nodal module', meant to host four additional laboratory and power modules and a docking port as part of the since-cancelled OPSEK plan. It launched in November 2021.

See also

References

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