Mir Airlock Sensor Unit (MASU), Mir Structural Dynamics Experimental Unit Model

The primary purpose of this experiment was to perform on-orbit testing on large space structures to verify mathematical models that were being used in the design of the International Space Station (ISS). On-orbit tests were performed in the Mir alone and Shuttle-Mir mated configurations and test data was recorded with a variety of existing and new instrumentation systems. This is a key piece of hardware that demonstrates the type of engineering required before completing the planning for a large space station. Although the actual flown hardware was retrieved from the Mir, the NASA contractors have retained this piece of equipment in the event that they decide to follow-up on the original experiments and collect data from the ISS.

NASA transferred this object to the museum.