Russia Launches Bio-M Satellite for Space Biology Research
Russia has launched a biological satellite named Bio-M No. 2 on a unique mission to study the effects of space travel on living organisms. This 30-day mission in Earth’s orbit carried a diverse array of biological experiments, including mice, flies, plant seeds, and more. The mission has captured the interest of scientists and researchers worldwide with its intriguing results.
Bio-M No. 2 Mission: A Unique Experiment
The mission commenced on August 20 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-2.1b rocket. The satellite was placed in a polar orbit at an altitude ranging between 370 and 380 kilometers, exposing the samples to high levels of cosmic radiation. Bio-M No. 2 was dubbed “Noah’s Ark” due to the biodiversity it carried into space.
The mission included over 30 scientific experiments aimed at understanding the impact of space factors such as microgravity and radiation on living organisms. These experiments were conducted in collaboration with Roscosmos, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Institute of Biomedical Problems.
Scientific Experiments on the Satellite
The scientific experiments focused on several aspects, including gravitational physiology in animals, where the effects of weightlessness and radiation on physiological health were studied. These studies aim to develop new technologies to support human life in space.
The experiments also included studies on the impact of spaceflight on plant and microbial biology, aiding in understanding the general patterns of life in the universe. Additionally, the experiments involved technological and physical tests to ensure radiation safety for future spacecraft.
Return of Bio-M No. 2: Beginning of Examination and Analysis
The Bio-M No. 2 capsule returned to Earth on September 19 in the Orenburg region, where research teams quickly retrieved the live samples for initial examinations. Photos indicated that the landing caused a small fire, which was quickly extinguished, allowing teams to access the capsule.
A medical tent was set up at the landing site for initial studies, and the samples were sent to the Institute of Biomedical Problems in Moscow for further analysis. These studies include analyzing the locomotor activity of flies to identify any nervous system issues.
The Unique Experiment: Panspermia Theory
Among the intriguing experiments conducted was the “Meteorite” experiment, aimed at testing the panspermia theory, which suggests that life on Earth may have originated from outer space. Basalt rocks containing microbial strains were included within the capsule’s structure to assess their ability to survive the intense thermal stress during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Conclusion
Such missions provide valuable insights into the effects of the space environment on living organisms, aiding in the preparation for longer and more complex space missions. Thanks to the collaboration between scientific institutions, these studies contribute to the development of new technologies to enhance human survival and safety in space, opening new horizons for our understanding of the universe and life within it.