Built on a modular structure, MIR was part of the third generation's Soviet space systems, whose authorization was decided with a decree of 1976, by which the Saylut DOS 17K should have been improved, but the MIR had to "fight" against other space programs, such as the Buran and the deadline of 1986 was respected only because of political pressure by Valentin Glushko.

The Mir was later expanded and assembled in orbit with several modules (among which the Kvant, Kvant 2, Spektr, Priroda and the Kristall) in a timespan of ten years. The space station hosted a number of astronauts, as Leonid Kizim, Vladimir Solovev (who holds the record of spacewalks performed), and the veteran of six space flights, who has lived more time in space than any other human being (311 days, 20 hours and one minute) Sergei Krikalev.

click here to Mir space station exterior panorama

click here to Mir space station Docking Port

click here to Mir space station core block Kubanto

click here to Mir space station inside Kubanto

click here to Mir space station inside core block

Technical details: Canon Eos D30(not a 30D! This panorama was shot in 2002), Canon EF 14mm 1:2.8L, Kaidan QuickPan.
Horizontal:12shots, +60°:12shots, -60°:12shots, Zenith, Nadir.
Software: PTGui Pro, PhotoShop CS3, CubicConverter, LiveStage Pro, deliVRator.

The Mir was the "launching pad" for an international collaboration which gave light to the ISS Project. In the panoramic images taken by Yoshito Takagi of Northern-lights.co.jp, on April 2002, the MIR is uncovered and finally one can experience life either inside or outside the Core Module, the Docking Port, Kvant, and the Control Block. As Yoshito states, it is finally possible to experience an otherwise off limits place!

Yoshito Takagi is Writer, Editor, Panorama Photographer and runs Northern Lights, Inc.

Links:
Northern-lights.co.jp
HD QuickTime VR
Email: info at northern-lights.co.jp

Related articles in this issue:
ISS INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION