Mir (core module mock-up)

The core module was launched in 1986. Its innovation was a node compartment with five docking ports: the station ceased to be a single body and became a kit to which Kvant, Kristall, Spektr and Priroda were attached. Mir set endurance records — Valeri Polyakov's 437 days — and hosted the first sustained international work: from 1995 American shuttles flew to the station. The experience of dockings, repairs and crew life aboard Mir underpinned the ISS. In the hall is a walk-in full-size mock-up of the core module; the interior was assembled from onboard documentation.