Mice in Space: Bion-M No. 2 Confirms the Well-being of the Crew and Satellite

The Bion-M No. 2 spacecraft has successfully reached its orbit with an inclination of 96.92 degrees and an altitude ranging from 367 to 386 km (average 380 km).

According to the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, all 75 mice sent into space on August 20 on the Bion-M No. 2 biological satellite are feeling well. Video surveillance confirms that the animals are adhering to the established schedule of eating and drinking, and the conditions in the descent vehicle are stable.

The satellite itself is stably oriented in space, and all scientific equipment is operating normally. Telemetry and operational control data confirm that the environmental parameters inside the vehicle are within the normal range.

The scientific mission of the Bion-M No. 2 satellite started on August 20 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Not only mice were sent into orbit, but also an extensive set of biological objects for research: about 1,500 drosophila, various cell cultures, plants such as calendula and echinacea, as well as samples of cereals, legumes, and industrial crops. In addition, the payload included fungi, lichens, and plant seeds that already have experience in space.

The mission aims to study the effect of a high-latitude orbit with an increased level of cosmic radiation (approximately one-third higher than on the ISS) on living organisms. The results will allow the creation of effective protection methods and increase the safety of manned space flights, including those beyond Earth's orbit.

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