Module "Spektr"

USSR

Launch, orbit & landing data:

Designation	23579 / 95024A
Launch date - time	20 May 1995 - 03:33:22 UT
Launch site	Baikonur, LC81L
Launch vehicle	Proton-K
Mass (kg)	17840
Earth orbit on :
- Perigee / Apogee	221 x 335 km
- Inclination	51.68°
- Period	89.78 min
Decay date - time ( with orbital complex "Mir")	23 Mar 2001 - 05:59:36 UT
Flight Duration (d:hr:min)	2134d 02h
Nbr orbits	33473

View of Spektr module during STS-79 mission

Mission details:

On May 20, 1995, the Proton-K launch vehicle with the Spektr research module was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome under the construction program for the world′s first multi-module manned orbital complex Mir.

On June 1, 1995, the module automatically approached the axial docking unit of the base unit of the Mir orbital complex after a 12-day autonomous flight. Then, Spektr using a remotely controlled manipulator was re-docked to the side node of the base unit and became part of the orbital complex. During this period, the international crew of the 18th main expedition consisting of cosmonauts V.N. worked at the station Dezhurova, G.M. Strekalov and NASA astronaut N. Tagard.

The Spectrum module (index 77KSO) was developed with the leading role of NPO Energia (now RSC Energia named after SP Korolev) based on the functional cargo compartment of the supply supply vehicle. The scientific equipment of the Spectra was designed to observe the Earth and search for natural resources, study the upper atmosphere, near-Earth space and the influence of the space environment on various materials. For the first time, at the Spectra, by agreement with NASA, American equipment was also installed for biomedical experiments to study the conditions of a person’s prolonged stay in space. The use of this experience was supposed to create the future International Space Station. The module also featured a unique system of high-power solar panels, which became an important source of power for the entire orbital complex.

All modules of station "Mir" (except for "Kvant" ) was first docked to front port and latter the own manipulator arm pivoted the module at the proper radial port. This module of station "Mir" after docking to front port (-X axis) was redocked to radial docking port "bottom" (-Y axis). While redocking cargo spacecraft "Progress-M34" encountered with module "Spektr". Module was lost at 768th day of flight because of depressurization.

Date Time (UT) Explanation

May 20, 1995 03:33:22 lift-off module "Spektr" of orbital station "Mir"
Jun 01, 1995 00:56:16 docking of module "Spektr" to fore (transitional) unit (-X) of station "Mir"
Jun 03, 1995 19:53:50 beginning of redocking of module "Spektr" from longitudinal fore unit of station "Mir" to radial one
Jun 03, 1995 ? redocking of module "Spektr" to radial fore (transitional) unit (-Y) of station "Mir"
Mar 23, 2001 05:59:36 end of existence of module "Spektr" with orbital complex "Mir"

Astrophilately covers:

Launch cancel Baikonur, send registrated.

Militaire launch cancel "14400", send registrated.

Docking cancel Kaliningrad: docking with MIR, send registrated.

Military docking cancel "14400" with MIR, send registrated.

Ref.: #6, #21, #98A, #322 - update: 10.06.20 Home

Date	Time (UT)	Explanation
May 20, 1995	03:33:22	lift-off module "Spektr" of orbital station "Mir"
Jun 01, 1995	00:56:16	docking of module "Spektr" to fore (transitional) unit (-X) of station "Mir"
Jun 03, 1995	19:53:50	beginning of redocking of module "Spektr" from longitudinal fore unit of station "Mir" to radial one
Jun 03, 1995	?	redocking of module "Spektr" to radial fore (transitional) unit (-Y) of station "Mir"
Mar 23, 2001	05:59:36	end of existence of module "Spektr" with orbital complex "Mir"