The Soviet Union launched Mir in 1986 as the first modular space station
Technology
The Soviet Union revolutionized long-term space living in 1986 by launching Mir, the world's first modular space station designed to be expanded and inhabited for years at a time.
On February 19, 1986, the Soviet Union launched the core module of Mir, a spacecraft that redefined human presence in orbit. Unlike previous stations, Mir was modular, allowing new labs and living quarters to be added over time. This design proved so successful that it served as the primary blueprint for the International Space Station used today.