Mir-2

''Mir''-2 was a Soviet space station project which began in February 1976. 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.

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

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

External links

Mir-2 on Astronautix

{{Russian human spaceflight programs

Cancelled space stations
Cancelled Soviet spacecraft