[FPSPACE] Russia's Progress Develops New Bion-M Biosatellite

[LARRY KLAES]

Russia's Progress Develops New Bion-M Biosatellite

http://www.spacemart.com/reports/Russia_Progress_Develops_New_Bion_M_Biosatellite_999.html

A total of 11 Bions have been launched since 1973 with over 37 kinds of 
biological species on board.

by Staff Writers

Samara, Russia (RIA Novosti) Apr 02, 2008

Russia' Progress design and production center is developing a new Bion-M 
biosatellite for scientific and applied research in space biology and 
medicine, a spokesman for the center said on Tuesday. He said the new Bion-M 
being developed by the Samara-based company (European Russia) will be 
capable of "spending around six months in orbit compared to the current 14 
days."

He also said a more advanced engine will allow the new research craft to 
reach a higher orbit of 400-500 km compared with 200-300 km.

The first Bion-M is scheduled for launch in 2010 with the second to follow 
three years later.

Experts say that the scientific data obtained through Bion-M research will 
extend the time humans can stay in space by up to two or three years.

A total of 11 Bions have been launched since 1973 with over 37 kinds of 
biological species on board, including single-cell organisms, plants, rats, 
tortoises and monkeys.

Source: RIA Novosti