Space Station		CORE MODULE Launch: February 19, 1986 21:28:23.006 UTC Vehicle: Proton K Launch site: Baikonur Scheme
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Mir is the first space station designed for expansion. The 20.4-ton Core Module, Mir's first building block, was launched in February 1986. The Core Module provides basic services (living quarters, life support, power) and scientific research capabilities. It has two axial docking ports, fore and aft, for Soyuz-TM manned transports and automated Progress-M supply ships, plus four radial berthing ports for expansion modules.

The working compartment is the main habitable volume on Mir and is made up of two concentric cylinders connected by a tapered conical section. The interior of the working compartment is divided into an operations zone and a living area.

Mir crews prefer a spatial orientation of floor and ceiling with the sides arranged in a bottom-to-top orientation despite the formal irrelevance of the terms in the absence of gravity. The floor of the operations area is covered with dark green carpet, the walls are light green and the ceiling is white with fluorescent lamps. The arrangement of equipment and the interior finish of the working compartment are designed to reinforce this bottom-to-top orientation. The living area uses the same spatial orientation concepts, but soft pastel colors are used to imply a home-like atmosphere.

The living area of the working compartment provides the necessities for long-term human missions. The living area contains a galley area with a table, cooking elements, and trash storage. Individual crew cabins, which include a porthole, hinged chairs and a sleeping bag are found next as one moves axially through the working compartment. The aft end of the working compartment contains the personal hygiene area with toilet, sink, and shower.