The term SPACE STATION UNTIL 2001 refers to the Russian space station Mir, which was operational from 1986 until 2001. It was the first modular space station and was assembled in orbit from 1986 to 1996. During its 15-year lifespan, it was visited by over 100 astronauts and cosmonauts from 12 different countries. It was the longest-serving space station of its time and was decommissioned in 2001.