Space Station MIR: DOCKING MODULE

Space Station

Docking module

Docking module

DOCKING MODULE
Androgynous docking system
Launch: November 12, 1995
Vehicle: Atlantis STS-74
Launch site: Cape Canaveral

Cooperation

In June 1992, the U.S. and Russia signed agreements to cooperate in the peaceful exploration of outer space. One year later, both nations signed accords to further define their cooperation for space exploration. The agreement defines Russian participation in the planned U.S./International Space Station Alpha (ISSA), as well as shuttle involvement with the existing Russian Mir space station. As a result, NASA Administrator Dan Goldin ordered the Goldin-Koptev Space Station Program Implementation Plan.

Phase 1 of the plan includes at least 7 (9 scheduled) shuttle flights to dock with Mir. The Shuttle/Mir docking missions have the purpose of conducting microgravity and life science research, as well as engineering refurbishment and resupply of the Mir complex. The current design life of the Mir complex is anticipated to expire in 1996 or 1997. The shuttle resupply missions are expected to extend the lifetime of Mir.

Phase 2 of the Goldin-Koptev Space Station Program Implementation Plan is the actual assembly of the new space station, ISSA. Phase 2 includes all station assembly flights. The current Mir is not involved in ISSA construction.

*PHASE 1 - Missions*
STS-63	Discovery	02-03-95 / 02-11-95	Spacehab-3	Successfully rendezvoused with Mir to a distance of 10 meters.
STS-71	Atlantis	06-27-95 / 07-07-95	Spacelab/Mir Shuttle/Mir-1	Successfully docked with Mir.
STS-74	Atlantis	11-12-95 / 11-20-95	Shuttle/Mir-2	Deliver and install docking module and solar array
STS-76	Atlantis	03-22-96 / 03-31-96	Shuttle/Mir-3	Spacehab module
STS-79	Atlantis	09-16-96 / 09-26-96	Shuttle/Mir-4	Double Spacehab modules
STS-81	Atlantis	01-12-97 / 01-22-97	Shuttle/Mir-5	Double Spacehab modules
STS-84	Atlantis	May 1997	Shuttle/Mir-6	Double Spacehab modules
STS-86	Atlantis	Sep. 1997	Shuttle/Mir-7	Double Spacehab modules
STS-89	Discovery	Jan. 1998	Shuttle/Mir-8	Double Spacehab modules
STS-91	Discovery	May 1998	Shuttle/Mir-9	AMS (Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer) Double Spacehab modules

Mir Docking Module
a vital link between Mir and the Space Shuttle

The Russian-built Docking Module (DM), delivered and installed during STS-74 mission, is attached to the Kristall module of the Mir Space Station and is designed to allow Shuttle-Mir dockings with the Kristall module located at the Mir radial port.

Prior to STS-74, the Shuttle has docked with Mir one time. During STS-71 in June 1995, the Shuttle docked with the Krystall module on Mir. However, to make that docking possible, the Krystall configuration had to be changed to give the Shuttle enough clearance to dock. Russian cosmonauts performed an extravehicular activity (a spacewalk) to move the Krystall module from a radial axis to a longitudinal axis, relative to Mir. After the shuttle departed, Krystall was moved back to its original location.

It would be impractical to leave Krystall in the longitudinal axis position because the longitudinal dock is used by the Russian vehicles Progress-M and Soyuz-TM. Moving Krystall back and forth between the two ports is not feasible. Therefore, the only workable solution was to add an extension to Krystall as it remains in its radial axis. This make it possible for the Shuttle to dock with Mir without interfering with the solar arrays, which are deployed near Krystall.

The Docking module is 15.4 feet long from tip to tip of the identical Androgynous Peripheral Docking Systems (APDS) located on either end. For identification purposes, APDS-1 is the system that is attached to Kristall and APDS-2 is the system attached to Atlantis during Shuttle-Mir rendez-vous.
The DM diameter is 7.2 feet, and the module weighs approximately 9,011 pounds.

On the exterior of the module, two Mir solar array containers were attached to transport solar arrays to the Mir. The solar arrays containers were attached on either side of the top of the module.
After STS-74 mission, the solar arrays were removed from the containers and attached to the Mir during a spacewalk by the Mir cosmonauts.

The two solar arrays are different types. One is called the Cooperative Solar Array (CSA) and was built as a cooperative effort between NASA and Russia. The other is a Russian Solar Array (RSA).
The Cooperative Solar Array uses Russian structures and NASA photovoltaic modules and was designed as part of the Phase 1 operations of the international Space Station Program.
The array is expected to provide greater power and longer life expectancy over existing arrays and will help to power U.S. experiments aboard the Mir.

Concept discussions for the Docking Module began with RSC Energia in November 1993 and were finalized in June 1994. Assembly of the DM flight unit began in February 1995 and final assembly and functional testing was completed in May 1995. The DM arrived at KSC in June 1995 in preparation for STS-74.


Pages mainteinded by Claudio Ariotti, IK1SLD		Credits