The Mir Core Module is the central portion of the Mir Complex. The Core Module supports the design concept of a Mir Complex as an assembly of separate pressurized modules with both core and specialty functions.
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.
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