Mir Deorbit - MPEG (11.8 M) (No Audio)
The journey of the 15-year-old Russian space station ended March 23, 2001, as Mir re-entered the Earth's atmosphere near Nadi, Fiji, and fell into the South Pacific. Its downfall - planned and controlled - began around 8 a.m. Moscow time. Engines of a cargo ship docked to Mir were fired causing the station's orbit to brake, starting the Mir's descent. The computer generated images below illustrate the breakup of the 143-ton station as it descended to Earth.
At approximately 100km, Mir entered the atmosphere and friction began to heat the outer surfaces.
The initial breakup began at about 95 km, when aerodynamic forces tore off the solar panels.
At 85 km, all peripheral pieces were torn away, and the main modules began to buckle.
The surviving fragments fell into the South Pacific east of New Zealand. Witnesses to the fiery downfall attributed sonic booms to the estimated 20 to 25 tons of remnants moving quickly toward the Earth's surface.
The digital still images (above) and the following computer generated animation were provided by Analytical Graphics, Inc. Although the animation segment was created prior to the actual event, it closely approximates the reentry of Mir. To view the animation, choose the link below.
MPEG (5.3 M) (No Audio)
Mir
Deorbit 