The Mir is seven modules [pieces] connected together, three of which were built by the United States. The United States built the Priroda, which is used to study the effects of living in zero gravity. One of the Russian modules is the Kvant, which looks at the Earth by using many powerful telescopes. Another Russian module is the Kristall, which is used to dock ships.

The middle of the Mir provides the basic needs of life support and power. It has its own oxygen tank and water supply. It also has its own electricity.

In the Mir, the floors are covered with carpet. Florescent lamps are used to light up the space station. The walls are covered by paint to help the astronauts feel at home. This living section is where they eat. It contains a table, cooking supplies, and trash storage. Each cabin has a porthole, chair, and sleeping bag. The personal hygiene area contains a shower, toilet, and sink.

The Mir can hold up to 6 people at one time. Food and clothes are sent every 6 weeks. A person must have special training to board the space station. This includes having to speak Russian as well as being able to perform scientific experiments.

The Mir is used to conduct scientific missions. For example, it is used to copy the effects of living in a weightless environment. One thing they have learned is that a turnip seed grows slower in space due to a lack of gravity. They have also learned that the human body weakens in a weightless environment, but that the effects can be reduced by exercising specific muscles.

This 11-year-old space station was only designed to be used for 5 years. In the past 11 years, both good and bad things have happened. Several accidents have been death defying. There have been fires, antifreeze fumes, and broken oxygen tanks. Also, while practicing a docking exercise, the docking cargo ship crashed into the Mir leaving a small hole in the laboratory module. The Mir crew members had to shut down that part of the ship.