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Kristall module (77KST) at a glance:
Kristall module was conceived as a multipurpose technology, material processing, astrophysics and geophysics laboratory. The material processing payload included Gallar, Crater-V, Zona-02, 03 and Optizon-1 experiments. Crater-V electrical furnace was expected to be used for producing perfect crystals of gallium arsenide and zinc oxide under microgravity conditions estimated between 10-3 and 10-5 g. Optizon furnace was expected to be used for semi-industrial production of perfect Cremnium monocrystals. Finally, Zona-02 and Zona-03 furnaces were designed for semiconductor production experiments. Biotechnology payload included Svetlana, Ruchei, Biokrist, Rekomb, Vita and Maksat experiments. Ainur biological research unit was expected to be used for the experiments with electrophoresis. Svet experiment included a small greenhouse for plant cultivation experiments. The unit was equipped with a source of light and feeding system. The experiments Buket, Marina and Glazar were designed for astronomy observations in ultraviolet range of spectrum. According to the official specs, the telescopes onboard Kristall were capable of detecting astronomical objects up to the magnitude 18. However, the main feature of the Kristall module were so-called "androgynous" docking ports compatible with the Buran orbiter. The plans called for the Buran unmanned test mission, during which the orbiter would automatically dock to Mir and its crew would be able to enter the craft. Buran's docking mission to Mir would also coincide with the flight of a Soyuz vehicle also equipped with the Buran-compatible docking port. In the unusual rescue drill, the Soyuz crew would dock with the free-flying Buran, enter the craft, then undock and redock with one of the Buran compatible ports on the Kristall module. The operation could also involve an EVA with the use of the manned maneuvering unit. For each docking with Buran, the Kristall module would be moved from its usual parking position on the side docking port to the front docking port of the core module. After Buran program was terminated at the beginning of the 1990s, the Soyuz spacecraft with Buran-compatible docking port was used for regular mission to Mir. The spacecraft successfully docked to Buran's docking port on Kristall in the summer of 1993. In 1995, the Kristall module was relocated on the front docking port of the core module, as it would be done for Buran missions, to receive the US Space Shuttle. For all subsequent Shuttle missions, the Kristall was equipped with an extension known as docking compartment. It allowed the Shuttle to stay clear from Mir's solar arrays, without relocating Kristall to the front docking port for each Shuttle mission. |
PICTURE GALLERY Copyright © 2001 Anatoly Zak
An isolated view of the Kristall module. Credit: TsPK
This rare painting by the unknown artist published in Sovetski Soyuz magazine soon after Buran's first and only flight, depicts the reusable Buran orbiter docked to the Mir space station. Credit: Sovetski Soyuz
The Proton rocket with the Kristall module standing on the launch pad in Area 200 of Baikonur Cosmodrome, shortly before launch on May 31, 1990.
A training version of the Kristall module viewed from the side of the docking port for the Buran orbiter. The second Buran-compatible docking port can be seen at the bottom of the module. Copyright © 2001 by Anatoly Zak |
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