Vladimir Beilin (Russian, 20th C.) "Mir Space Station in Orbit" Original Watercolor on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the Russia Mir Space Station stamp issued May 29, 1992. Its name means "peace." And if used in a proposed joint U.S.-Russia mission to Mars, the Mir space station might truly live up to its name. Launched in 1986, Mir is the core of a permanent orbiting complex, which includes six docking ports designed to accept expansion modules for living quarters and research labs. Up to six people can occupy Mir for long periods of time . . . perhaps even the three years required for a trip to the Red Planet. But the logistics of that trip are staggering. Experts estimate that just three men would need 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 space missions, men can suffer weight loss, calcium depletion, even psychological problems. 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, explore the planet named for the ancient Roman god of war. Image Size: 8.5 x 12 in. Overall Size: 10.25 x 15.25 in. Unframed. (B13799) See More