Mir is dying at the hands of a virulent fungus.
Not just any fungus.
SPACE FUNGUS.
Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladesporium are the main species of fungi involved. It attacks plastic, metal, and even glass; and is currently eating away at the ship's air conditioner, communications unit, and insulation.
Russian officials are baffled at what to do, as nothing like this has ever happened before. The fungus has been described as smelling "mushroomy."