Kvant-1 (Russian: Квант-1; English: Quantum-1) (37KE) was the first module to be attached in 1987 to the Mir Core Module, which formed the core of the Soviet space station Mir. It remained attached to Mir until the entire space station was deorbited in 2001. The Kvant-1 module contained scientific instruments for astrophysical observations and materials science experiments. It was used to conduct research into the physics of active galaxies, quasars and neutron stars and it was uniquely positioned for studies of the Supernova SN 1987A. Furthermore, it supported biotechnology experiments in anti-viral preparations and fractions. Some additions to Kvant-1 during its lifetime were solar arrays and the Sofora and Rapana girders. The Kvant-1 module was based on the TKS spacecraft and was the first, experimental version of a planned series of '37K' type modules. The 37K modules featured a jettisonable TKS-E type propulsion module, also called the Functional Service Module (FSM). The control system of Kvant-1 had been developed by NPO "Electropribor" (Kharkiv, Ukraine). After previous engineering tests with the Salyut 6 and Salyut 7 space stations (and temporarily attached TKS-derived space station modules like Kosmos 1267, Kosmos 1443 and Kosmos 1686) it became the first space station module to be attached semi-permanently to the first modular space station in the history of space flight. Kvant-1 was originally planned to be docked to the Salyut 7 space station, the plans however evolved to launch to Mir, initially considered on board the Soviet Buran shuttle, which finally changed to a launch to Mir by the Proton-K rocket.
Background
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 crewed 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 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 the Progress tanker spacecraft to Mir's storage tanks. This increased weight again, forcing the FGB to have its propellant load reduced to 60% in the high-pressure tanks and empty low-pressure tanks. With a reported total launch weight varying between 20,600 and 22,797 kilograms (45,415 and 50,259 lb), Kvant-1 was supposedly at that time the heaviest payload lifted by Proton, requiring special custom modifications to its launch vehicle.
Description Kvant-1 consisted of two pressurized working compartments, one unpressurized experiment compartment and one small airlock for access to the telescopes and film change and retrieval. It also carried additional life support systems including an Elektron oxygen generator and equipment for removing carbon dioxide from the air. Scientific equipment on board Kvant-1 included:
The Roentgen X-ray astronomy telescope suite with four instruments: TTM, a coded mask imaging spectrometer / wide-angle camera (Dutch/British) Sirene 2, a gas scintillation proportional spectrometer (ESA) HEXE, the High Energy X-ray Experiment (German) Pulsar X-1, an X-ray/gamma ray (20-1300 keV) detector Glazar, an ultraviolet telescope Mariya, a magnetic spectrometer Svetlana, an electrophoresis unit and finally Arfa-E, installed on the exterior of the module in January 1990 to investigate the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere To allow astronomical observations, Kvant-1 carried – in addition to two Earth horizon sensors, two star sensors, and three star trackers – six gyrodines which permitted extremely accurate pointing of the entire Mir complex. As the gyrodines were powered by electricity, they also reduced significantly the amount of attitude control propellant needed by the Mir base block's control thrusters – saving 15 tons of propellant in the first two years. They did, however, use a great deal of electricity – the average consumption of the Kvant-1 module was estimated to have been 6.90 kW.
Launch and docking
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