Kvant-1

Kvant-1 (Russian: "Квант-1"; English: Quantum-I/1) (37KE) was the second module of the Soviet space station "Mir". It was the first addition to the "Mir" base block and contained scientific instruments for astrophysical observations and materials science experiments.

Kvant-1 conducted research into the physics of active galaxies, quasars and neutron stars. The module also supported biotechnology experiments in anti-viral preparations and fractions. Originally planned to dock with the Salyut 7 space station, Kvant-1 was the first, experimental version of a planned series of '37K' type modules with jettisonable TKS-E type propulsion module scheduled to be launched to "Mir" and on the Soviet "Buran" space shuttle.

Background

[
Mir Core Module, with Soyuz TM-3 docked to its aft port.] The Kvant spacecraft represented the first use of a new kind of Soviet space station module, designated 37K. An order authorising the beginning of development was issued on 17 September 1979. The basic 37K design consisted of a 4.2 m diameter pressurised cylinder with a docking port at the forward end. It was not equipped with its own propulsion system. The original authorisation was for a total of eight 37K's of various configurations:

*One experimental 37KE (using a surplus FGB module of the cancelled Chelomei TKS manned ferry as a tug) which would be docked to the front port of the Salyut 7 space station.
*Four 37KS modules for Mir. These would be delivered and docked to the station by a new lighter weight FGO tug.
*Three 37KB modules. These would be carried in the payload bay of the Buran space shuttle. They could remain attached to the bay or (modified to the 37KBI configuration) be docked to the Mir or Mir-2 space stations using the Buran manipulator arm.

The 37KE was designated Kvant and was equipped with an astrophysics payload. 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 a docking with Mir. But at that time Mir was planned to be in a 65 degree orbit, and Kvant was 800 kg too heavy for the Proton launch vehicle to place in such an orbit. In January 1985 Mir was changed to a 51.6 degree orbit, which solved one problem. But now it was planned that Kvant would dock with the rear port of Mir, requiring the addition of lines to conduct rocket propellant from Progress tanker spacecraft to Mir's storage tanks. This increased weigh again, forcing the FGB to have its propellant load reduced to 60% in the high pressure tanks and empty low pressure tanks. Still, at 22,797 kg, Kvant was the heaviest payload ever lofted by Proton, requiring special custom modifications to its launch vehicle.

Launch and Docking

Kvant-1 and its FSM were launched on March 30, 1987. At the time of the launch Soyuz TM-2 was already docked to the station. 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 not 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.

Description

Kvant-1 was originally intended 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 carbon 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.

Later Modifications

In January, 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 delivered 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 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. In June, 1996, the Rapana girder was extended during an EVA. In November, 1997, Kristall's old solar panel that was attached to Kvant-1 was disposed of and the all-Russian solar array, which was also delivered with the Docking Module, was attached in its place. In April, 1998, the six-year-old VDU propulsion unit was replaced by a new one that was delivered by Progress M-38.

External links

* [http://www.russianspaceweb.com/mir_kvant.html Russian Space Web]
* [http://www.astronautix.com/craft/kvant.htm Encyclopedia Astronautica]
*Gunter's Space Page - information on [http://www.skyrocket.de/space/doc_sdat/kvant-1.htm Kvant-1]

References