Kvant was added to the Mir core's aft port in 1987. This small, 11-ton module contains astrophysics instruments, life support and attitude control equipment.
Kvant was added to the Mir core's aft port in 1987. This small, 11-ton module contains astrophysics instruments, life support and attitude control equipment.
The purpose of the Kvant module is to provide data and observations for research into the physics of active galaxies, quasars, and neutron stars. This data is gathered with devices which measure electromagnetic spectra and x-ray emissions. The Kvant also supports biotechnology experiments in the areas of antiviral preparations and fractions.
The Kvant module is divided into a pressurized laboratory compartment and a nonpressurized equipment compartment. The laboratory compartment is further divided into an instrumentation area and a living area, which are separated by an interior partition. A pressurized transfer chamber connects the Passive Docking Unit with the laboratory chamber. The nonpressurized equipment compartment contains power stabilizers.
| Module | Mass Kg | Length m | Max. Diameter m | Pressurized Volume Cubic Meters | No. of Solar Arrays/Area Square Meters | Power Output KW | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kvant | 11,050 | 5.8 | 4.15 | 40 | 1 | 6 KW | Astronomy, some control & life support, Progress & Soyuz docking |