On February 19, 1986, the Soviet Union launched the Mir space station.
The Mir space station, which belonged to the Soviet Union and then to Russia, was the first human research station in space where long-term habitation was possible.
The construction of Mir lasted for ten years and until 2001, this structure was considered the largest existing space structure. The structure was made mainly of aluminum and lightweight materials and did not contain any hazardous biological or nuclear materials.
Mir’s goal was to improve the understanding of the problems faced by astronauts in a permanent presence in space. Experience gained from the long-term stay of international boarders in Mir for preparation International Space Station used. The current record for the longest stay in space on the Mir space station is held by Valery Vladimirovich Polyakovthe astronaut who spent 437 consecutive days in orbit was recorded.
This station, like the International Space Station, was a place to conduct various scientific studies, including biology, astronomy, physics and meteorology. The technologies that were developed with Mir’s help gradually provided the possibilities of permanent human life in space.
In addition to Russian astronauts, astronauts from 12 countries, including the United States, had the opportunity to stay and research in this station through international space cooperation programs. The main means of transporting astronauts and cargo and equipment to Mir, spacecrafts Soyuz And progress They were.
during a program Space shuttle Atlantis In the STS-79 mission, it was used to carry astronauts and cargo to this station.
The Soviets used Mir to conduct a variety of scientific research for fifteen years before funding the program was cut. After Russia agreed to cooperate in the construction of the International Space Station, the station was taken out of orbit on March 23, 2001.
