Launch: March 31, 1987
Vehicle: Proton K
Launch site: Baikonur
| Astrophysics module Launch: March 31, 1987 Vehicle: Proton K Launch site: Baikonur |
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Berthed at the core module's aft axial port in March 1987, the module weighs 11 tons and carries telescopes and equipment for attitude control and life support.
| Module | Mass (Kg) |
Length (m) |
Max. Diameter (m) |
Pressurized Volume (Cubic Meters) |
No. of Solar Arrays/Area (Square Meters) |
Power Output (KW) |
Function |
| Kvant | 11,050 | 5.8 | 4.15 | 40 | N/A | N/A | Astronomy, some control & life support, Progress & Soyuz docking |
The purpose of the Kvant module is to provide data and observations for research into the physics of active galaxies, quasars, and neutron stars. This data is gathered with devices which measure electromagnetic spectra and x-ray emissions. The Kvant also supports biotechnology experiments in the areas of antiviral preparations and fractions.
The Kvant module is divided into a pressurized laboratory compartment and a nonpressurized equipment compartment. The laboratory compartment is further divided into an instrumentation area and a living area, which are separated by an interior partition. A pressurized transfer chamber connects the Passive Docking Unit with the laboratory chamber. The nonpressurized equipment compartment contains power stabilizers.