PIRS

AXM Paper Space Scale Models

The site for Space Shuttle Card Modelers

"PIRS" DC-1 Russian Docking Module

The "PIRS" or DC-1 Docking Module was launched on Sep 15, 2001 from Baikonur on a Russian Soyuz booster. A modified Progress vehicle named Progress M-CO1 carried "PIRS" on top and transported it to the ISS and docking occurred on Sep 16, 2001 to the nadir (bottom) port of Zvezda Service Module. On Sep 26, 2001, the propulsion segment of the Progress vehicle separated from "PIRS" and was de-orbited to burn in the atmosphere.

"PIRS" became the third docking port for the arriving Russian spacecraft. Before "PIRS", the Russian manned Soyuz and Progress cargo ships could only dock either to the aft port of the Zvezda service module, or to the Earth-facing (nadir) port of the Zarya control module.

Two other existing docking ports onboard the Zvezda module (so-called zenith and nadir ports) have the interface designed for larger and heavier modules and it is not compatible with the standard hardware normally installed on the Soyuz spacecraft. With only two regular docking ports available on the Russian segment, the Progress supply ship has to be undocked from the station, every time the new Soyuz spacecraft arrives to the outpost to replace its older predecessor. Eventually these ports were modified in order to be docked by "PIRS" and "POISK".

"PIRS" delivered a third russian spacesuit and the second Strela Arm. The first Strela Arm was already installed outside the ISS on PMA-1 at that time and was transferred to "PIRS" via en EVA.

It is important to know that probably by the end of 2011, "PIRS" will be de-orbited and replaced by another larger Russian module, the MLM (Multipurpose Laboratory Module), so this papermodel cannot be glued to the ISS model. It can be attached temporarily via a connector available in the model kit.

This papermodel is available in 2 scales, 1:100 and 1:144.

UPDATE (8/25/11)

The Strela Arms have been added in order to be placed on the PIRS module. On Sep 2011, a Russian EVA crew will remove the Strela arms from PIRS and will relocate them on the POISK module.

Enjoy the photos and this little model itself!