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Today in History: Russian Space Agency Deorbits Mir Space Station

3/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 23, 2001, the Russian space agency Roscosmos deorbited the Mir space station, marking the end of its 15-year mission. Mir, the first modular space station, reentered Earth's atmosphere and disintegrated over the Pacific Ocean. This decision stemmed from funding constraints related to commitments to the International Space Station program.

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Story summary

On March 23, 2001, the Russian space agency Roscosmos deorbited the Mir space station, marking the end of its 15-year mission. Mir, the first modular space station, reentered Earth's atmosphere and disintegrated over the Pacific Ocean. This decision stemmed from funding constraints related to commitments to the International Space Station program.