In 1990, a Japanese television network paid $12 million to send a journalist to Mir for eight days as a ratings booster.
The trip to Mir was unique and different, drawing in lots of viewers. 
mnli hypothesis: The trip to Mir was unique and different, drawing in lots of viewers.  premise: In 1990, a Japanese television network paid $12 million to send a journalist to Mir for eight days as a ratings booster.