Vladimir Beilin (Russian, 20th C.) "Mir Space Station in Orbit" Original Watercolor painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Russia Mir Space Station stamp issued May 29, 1992. Its name meant "peace." And the Mir space station truly lived up to its name. Launched in 1986, Mir was the most ambitious project of its type yet attempted. The core of a large, permanent orbiting complex, Mir had six docking ports designed to accept expansion modules for living quarters and research labs. Up to six cosmonauts could occupy Mir for an extended period of time ... perhaps even the three years required for a round-trip to the Red Planet. But the logistics of such a trip are staggering. Experts estimate that just three men would require four-and-a-half tons of food, 10 tons of oxygen and a full 17 tons of water. Other obstacles are formidable as well. During extended stays in space, men can suffer health problems including weight loss, calcium depletion which weakens bones, even psychological disturbances. Experience shows that after several months in space work performance suffers, too. Further, many returning cosmonauts were so weak they had to be carried away on stretchers -- despite two hours of strenuous exercise daily. After only 110 days in space, cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov commented "Mother Earth is punishing me for leaving her for such a long time." Still, efforts continue to prolong the time humans can safely remain in space. And, if they're successful, Americans and Russians may, together in friendship, someday explore the planet named for the ancient Roman god of war. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 14 in. Unframed. (B13803)