Kvant-1

It was used to conduct research into the physics of active galaxies, quasars and neutron stars and it was uniquely positioned for studies of the Supernova SN 1987A.

It also used the Salyut-5B digital flight control computer and Gyrodyne flywheel orientation system developed for Almaz.

As the module neared completion Salyut 7 experienced numerous technical problems and Kvant was retargeted for docking with Mir.

It also carried additional life support systems including an Elektron oxygen generator and equipment for removing carbon dioxide from the air.

The FSM was derived from the TKS spacecraft, which would later form the basis for the Functional Cargo Block of the Kvant-2, Kristall, Spektr, and Priroda modules.

However, the Kvant-1 was not able to achieve a hard dock which meant that the two spacecraft were only loosely connected – in this configuration, Mir could not orient itself or else damage would occur.

The Kvant-FSM, which contained the now unneeded propulsion of the Kvant-1 module, was finally jettisoned on April 12, revealing Kvant-1's rear docking port.

[3] After finally achieving hard-dock and jettisoning of the Kvant-FSM, tests of the onboard systems of Kvant-1 were conducted until the end of April.

For this, Kvant had carried stowed solar arrays, which were attached to the Mir base block during an EVA on June 12.

[3] With the testing of Kvant-1 concluded, additional solar panels installed and Kvant's gyrodines available, a major step in the construction of the Mir space station was achieved.

The X-ray telescope onboard Kvant-1 could start with a bang: it was uniquely placed to study Supernova SN 1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud, the peak of its light reaching Earth in May 1987.

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.

After the respirators ran out of oxygen and the smoke began to clear the crew switched to using filter masks.