Mir Core Module

Peace or World), DOS-7, was the first module of the Soviet/Russian Mir space station complex, in low Earth orbit from 1986 to 2001.

[2] Designed as a 'habitat' or 'living' module, DOS-7 possessed less scientific apparatus than its predecessors (lacking, for instance, the large imaging camera which had partially obstructed the living areas of previous stations), instead providing crews with a comfortable living area on the station.

The spacecraft also featured a small trash/science airlock, and an aluminium hull (about 1 to 5 mm thick) with several portholes with hatches for viewing out.

[2] Inside, the spacecraft featured two-toned colours (designed by interior design architect, Galina Balashova, carrying over her concept of comforting interior décor from Soyuz and Salyut), [3] [4] fluorescent lighting, and one toilet.

Four of them, which were located radially on the node on the front of the module, were called "berthing" ports designed for station expansions.

[2] At one point, it was planned for Buran to visit the station around 1992 and exchange the existing core module for a new one.

DOS-7 seen from Space Shuttle Atlantis during STS-71 in 1995.
Diagram showing the 1986 orbital configuration of DOS-7.
DOS-7 seen in 1987 following the addition of a third solar array and Kvant -1 .
Christmas in Mir Core Module (DOS-7)
Cut-away side-view
Cut-away view of the Mir Core Module docked to a Soyuz spacecraft
Inside the multiple docking node
Mealtime in Mir Core Module (DOS-7)
Interior of Mir Core Module (DOS-7)