Kvant-1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kvant-1 (Russian: Квант; lit. Quantum) was the second module launched to the Mir space station. Its primary purpose was to conduct astrophysics research.
Contents |
[edit] Specifications
- Launch Mass (includes FSM): 20,600 kg
- Module Mass: 11,000 kg
- FSM Mass: 9,600 kg
- Length: 5.3 m
- Diameter: 4.35 m
- Habitable volume: 40 m3
[edit] Description
Kvant-1 was originally intented to be launched and docked to Salyut 7. But delays forced it to be launched to Mir instead. Kvant-1 consists of two pressurized working compartments and one unpressurized experiment compartment. Scientific equipment included an X-ray telescope, an ultraviolet telescope, a wide-angle camera, high-energy X-ray experiments, an X-ray/gamma ray detector, and the Svetlana electrophoresis unit. Kvant-1 carried six gyrodines which could be used to orient the station without using propellent. Kvant-1 also carried more life support systems including an Elektron oxygen generator and equipment for removing crabon dioxide from the air. Kvant-1 delivered an extra solar panel to the station which was deployed on the core module in June, 1987.
Kvant-1 did not have any propulsion systems. It was launched with a Functional Service Module (FSM) to act as a space tug to get Kvant-1 to Mir. The FSM carried propulsion and electrical systems. It was a modified version of the TKS spacecraft. The TKS would later form the basis for the Kvant-2, Kristall, Spektr, and Priroda modules.
[edit] Launch and Docking
Kvant-1 and its FSM were launched on March 30, 1987. The FSM carried out major maneuvers on April 2 and April 5. On April 9, Kvant-1 achieved a soft dock with the aft port on Mir. However, the spacecraft was not able to achieve a hard dock which meant that the two spacecraft were only loosely connected. In this configuration, Mir could orient itself or else damage would occur. The crew conducted an emergency EVA on April 11 to investigate the problem. The crew found a piece of debris, probably a trash bag, that was left by Progress 28. After removing it, Kvant-1 was finally able to achieve a hard dock with the station. The FSM was jettisoned, revealing Kvant-1's rear docking port, on April 12.
[edit] Later Modifications
In Janurary, 1991, support structures that were designed to hold solar arrays were installed on Kvant-1. In July, 1991, the crew constructed the Sofora girder during four EVAs. The Sofora girder was designed to test new construction techniques, mount a propulsion unit, and act as a place to hold experiments outside the station. In September, 1992, the crew installed the VDU propulsion unit on the end of the Sofora girder. It was delievered earlier by Progress M-14. The VDU was designed to increase the station's attitude control capability. In September, 1993, the Rapana girder was constructed on Kvant-1 during two EVAs. The Rapana girder was deigned to test girder assembly experiments for a possible Mir 2 space station. External experiments were also later held on the Rapana girder. On May 22, 1995, one of of Kristall's solar panels was re-deployed on Kvant-1. During May, 1996, the Mir Cooperative Solar Array, which was delievered with the Mir Docking Module, was deployed on Kvant-1.
[edit] External links
|
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Soviet modules | Core Module · Kvant-1 · Kvant-2 · Kristall |  |
| American-financed modules | Spektr · Docking Module · Priroda | |
| Ships | Soyuz · Progress · Space Shuttle (during Shuttle-Mir Program) | |
