Ÿ         The Mir Space Station was constructed by Russia while in orbit by connecting different modules, each launched separately from 1986 to 1996.  Mir means “peace” and “community” in Russian and the Mir space station helped toward world peace  by hosting astronauts and scientist from other countries, including the United States.    

 (Click to see a larger picture)

Ÿ         The 15-year old Russian space station ended March 23, 2001 when it re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere in the South Pacific.

Ÿ         Mir is being replaced by the International Space Station  and construction will be over an extended period of time.  The first occupants moved in October 31, 2000 with the U.S.A., Russia, Canada, Italy, and Japan among the countries contributing modules at various dates extending beyond the year 2004.

Ÿ         The U.S. “National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958” declared as one of its main objectives that space exploration would expand human knowledge of phenomena in the atmosphere and space in order to benefit mankind.