This morning, Russian Aviation and Space Agency hosted a meeting of
Transnational Committee on mission support and operation of MIR space
station.
The meeting reviewed the results of activities under the space station
flight test program for the period of 1986 – 2000.
It was noted that:

  • All the activities envisaged in the flight test program for modular
    space station MIR which was approved in 1986 have been fully completed;
  • Technologies for creating, deploying and operating permanently
    manned space stations have passed developmental tests;
  • The research program has been completed;
  • MIR space station operational life in orbit has exceeded the originally
    specified 5-year life in orbit by a factor of three.

Taking into account the fact that MIR space station is in a fully operational
condition, the Committee has confirmed that its operation can be further
extended.