The first addition to the Mir core module was the Kvant ("Quantum") module (also called the Kvant-1 module to differentiate it from the newer Kvant-2 module), launched in 1987. It took several attempts to dock Kvant with Mir, requiring a spacewalk by cosmonauts Yuri Romanenko Alexander Laveikin to remove what turned out to be an errant plastic bag from a docking port to seal the connection. The module contains equipment to perform observations of active galaxies, neutron stars, quasars, and other astrophysical phenomena at x-ray and other wavelengths of light.
The module also includes attitude control and life support equipment for the station. Part of the module is a pressurized area for working and living, while the rest is nonpressurized space for equipment. The module, attached to the aft port of the Mir core module, has its own "Passive Docking Unit" which is used by Progress-M and Soyuz-TM spacecraft.
| Length: | 5.8 m (19.1 ft.) |
| Mass: | 11,050 kg (24,300 lbs.) |
| Max. Diameter | 4.1 m (13.5 ft.) |
| Volume: | 40 m^3 (1440 cu. ft.) |