The Origins And Evolution Of Mir And Its Modules

B. Hendrickx. (1998), JBIS, 51, pp.203-222

Refcode: 1998.51.203

Abstract:

The Mir orbital complex, which has been the focal point of Russian space activities for over ten years, consists of a core module, five large add-on modules and a docking module. In keeping with the Russian tradition of using tried-and-tested technology, most of these modules are based on designs that originated in the 1960s and are destined to have more descendants in the International Space Station as the new millennium approaches. The story of Mir and its modules is not only one of nuts and bolts, but also one of political infighting and of two major design bureaus continuously vying for the largest slice of the cake.