• Core Module

The MIR module, which is the core module for the whole complex, contains the operations zone and the living zone. The living zone is where the crew quarters, the galley, and the personal hygiene area are. In the living area, crewmembers have their own cabin which contains a chair, sleeping bag, and a porthole. The personal hygiene area contains a toilet, sink, and shower. The galley contains a table, cooking elements, and trash storage.

The operations area is the control area for the entire Mir complex. The crew can monitor and command core systems, as well as science equipment and facilities and the piloting station. The Mir module is over 43 feet long and has a diameter of up to 13 feet.

The habitable parts of the Mir complex all have distinct floor, walls, and ceiling, including carpet on the floor, colored walls, and a white ceiling with flourescent lighting. Although up and down have no meaning in microgravity, this arrangement allows the crew a semblance of normalcy.

• Kvant-1

Kvant-1 is the Astrophysics module, and is located on the aft docking port of Mir. It provides information for research into the physics of active galaxies, quasars, and neutron stars by measuring electromagnetic spectra and X-ray emissions. Kvant-1 is 19 feet long and 14 feet in diameter.

• Kvant-2

Kvant-2 is the Scientific and Airlock module. It provides biotechnology research data, Earth observation photographic equipment, and EVA capability. It is over 40 feet long and 14 feet in diameter. The airlock allows access to the outside of Mir, which allows for experiments about the effects of space exposure on electronics and construction materials.

• Kristall

Kristall Technological module with a Shuttle docking port is used for biological and materials processing technology development in the space environment. It contains equipment that produces semiconductors and other high-tech materials that benefit from the low gravity environment of space. Other apparatus includes a greenhouse designed to cultivate plants in zero-g.

• Spektr

The Spektr module arrived at the Mir complex in June, 1995. It contains equipment for atmospheric research and surface studies.

• Priroda

Priroda remote sensing module was launched in Spring of 1996. It contains active, passive, and infra-red radiometers, a synthetic aperture radar, and several types of spectrometers used for measuring ozone and aerosol concentrations in the atmosphere.