posted 06-07-2017 04:09 PM               

One of my favorite topics is Mir. As a child, the Shuttle-Mir Program is what really got me interested in spaceflight, so I try and gain an insight from each person I write to who lived on Mir. Often, I already know the "facts" surrounding my question, but what I'm hoping to learn is what that particular person's take on it was. For example, one U.S. astronaut described the smell inside Mir as that of a "sewer" while another likened it to a "old cabin in the woods." Two different people, with two very different takes. I like the personal stuff like that.

Anyway, recently I wrote to French astronaut Jean-Pierre Haignere. Not only was he kind enough to sign a photo I sent and write me a lovely note, he also answered my questions about Mir. He wrote very nice long responses.

Problem is, his handwriting is very small and challenging for me to read. I'd feel bad if he took the time to write me a very kind response and I was unable to read it fully. I can get the gist of it, but parts are very difficult to follow. I was thinking a few extra sets of eyes might be able to help me break it down.

So far, here is what I have been able to "translate" verbatim.

In fact, it was more spacey with the addition of two modules (one condemned) and a few more experiments. The issues were communication: the ... ??? ... LUTCH failed one week after our arrival, we were so limited to VHF communication over ... ??? ..., 8 minutes every 90 minutes on average. Also temperature (see below). The major equipment were functionary: life support, computer, ... ??? ..., ect. For the EVA, the ... ??? ... were a definite concern, but this is the ... ??? ... of adventure that an astronaut is looking for. Mir was a good, robust, and well designed spacecraft, a piece of space exploration history and we were all proud and happy to participate in the adventure.

The power failure occurred occasionally on Mir. It was spectacular (in general ... ??? ... or so in the dark) but not a constant issue. Beside that, the fact that in 1999 the Spektr module had brought ... ??? ... additional solar arrays without supplementary consumption (the Spektr module was condemned due to collision with a Progress) we had sufficient power ... ??? ... in general.

The other issues were... ??? ...: we spent good amount of time to dismount equipment here and there to find the leak which ... ??? ... pressure. And also the temperature (33-35 degrees C average) due to ... ??? ... and the poor efficiency of the ... ??? ... dimethyl hydrogen of the vehicle.

It is true that there were many experiments outside MIR surface. However since they were designed ... ??? ... the MIR structure they were ... ??? ... than the original instruments and ... ??? ... such as ... ??? ... which for some of them had sharp edges (... ??? ...). Those ones were not danger for the ... ??? ... and we trained to locate and avoid them ... ??? ....

But the difficulty compared to ISS was the ... ??? ... to transfer and ... ??? ... ourselves near the place we had to work. As a consequence we had to crawl over the station ... ??? ... and secure ourselves with life ... ??? ..."

posted 06-07-2017 07:06 PM            

In fact, it was more spacey with the addition of two modules one condemned and a few more experiments. The issues were communication: the (relay satellite) LUTCH failed one week after our arrival, we were so limited to VHF communication over (Russia), 8 minutes every 90 minutes on average. Also temperature see below. The major equipment were functionary: life support, computer, (calisthenics), ect. For the EVA, the (lobster clips) were a definite concern, but this is the (flavor) of adventure that an astronaut is looking for. Mir was a good, robust, and well designed spacecraft, a piece of space exploration history and we were all proud and happy to participate in the adventure.

The power failure occurred occasionally on Mir. It was spectacular in general (like) or so in the dark but not a constant issue. Beside that, the fact that in 1999 the Spektr module had brought (significant) additional solar arrays without supplementary consumption the Spektr module was condemned due to collision with a Progress we had sufficient power (available) in general.

The other issues were (hermetically) we spent good amount of time to dismount equipment here and there to find the leak which (decreased significantly the atmospheric) pressure. And also the temperature 33-35 degrees C average due to (radiators out of work) and the poor efficiency of the (albedo. White paint covered by) dimethyl hydrogen of the vehicle.

It is true that there were many experiments outside MIR surface. However since they were designed (posteriorly) the MIR structure they were (supposed more careful design) than the original instruments and (superstructures) such as (sun and star sensors) which for some of them had sharp edges (sort of knives). Those ones were not danger for the (grip handles) and we trained to locate and avoid them (and their proximity.)

But the difficulty compared to ISS was the (absence of work arms) to transfer and (fix) ourselves near the place we had to work. As a consequence we had to crawl over the station (like caterpillars) and secure ourselves with life (leads, sort of fasten lobster clips which sometimes failed to close securely with the risk that you can ...)"

posted 07-02-2017 08:39 AM               

"...which sometimes failed to close securely with the risk that you could imagine."

posted 07-02-2017 08:42 AM               

As a consequence we had to crawl over the station (like caterpillars)"