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The docking and integration of the Priroda module into the Space Station Mir Complex in 1996 provided a unique opportunity to assess the potential impact on the trace contaminant concentrations in the station complex. Since Priroda was substantially loaded with new US flight hardware, the data are potentially relevant to future similar operations associated with the buildup of the International Space Station. Grab samples were collected to assess the Priroda concentrations prior to integration and to capture the profile of concentrations after the start of Priroda inter-module ventilation. A long term time integrated sampler was configured for collection of canister samples over a time interval of seven days.

Eight SUMMA passivated sampling canisters were shipped to the Russian Space Station Mir in February of 1995 to assess ambient trace contaminant concentrations. Prior to flight, the canisters were injected with isotope labeled surrogates and internal standards to measure potential negative impacts on measurement accuracy caused by the trip environmental conditions of launch and return. Three duplicate canister samples were collected in parallel with Russian sorbent samples to acquire data for comparative purposes. A total of 32 target and 13 non-target volatile compounds were detected in each of the samples analyzed. The concentrations of the compounds remained relatively consistent for the three sampling events, and all of the concentrations of detected contaminants were well below both US and Russian Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations (SMAC). Five different fluorocarbons were consistently detected at relatively high concentrations.