Russia is set to launch the Bion-M No. 2 biosatellite on August 20, 2025, atop a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome. The mission aims to study the effects of spaceflight on living organisms and advance deep-space missions.
The spacecraft will carry 75 mice, over 1,000 fruit flies, and other biological specimens for a 30-day mission in space, exposing them to high levels of radiation. Researchers hope to gain insights into how microgravity and radiation impact biological systems, with potential applications in astronaut health and space medicine.
Mice were chosen for the experiment due to their genetic similarity to humans, short life cycles, and heightened sensitivity to radiation. The mice will be divided into three groups: those living on Earth, those in a simulated flight environment, and those in orbit. This experiment could have wide-reaching implications for human space travel.
The Bion-M No. 2 mission also includes the study of lunar simulants – materials designed to mimic moon surface conditions. These simulants will be analyzed after returning to Earth to assess how they react to space radiation and the vacuum environment, aiding plans for future lunar construction.
By studying the effects of microgravity and radiation on living organisms, researchers aim to improve astronaut health management strategies, making long-term space travel safer and more sustainable. The mission’s findings could pave the way for new innovations in space health and safety.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/08/russia-to-launch-noahs-ark-mission-space