Russia to send 75 mice and 1,500 flies to space aboard Bion-M No. 2 biosatellite – Here’s why

Russia to Send 75 Mice and 1,500 Flies to Space Aboard Bion-M No. 2 Biosatellite (Image: Roscosmos)

The night sky will soon carry an unusual traveller. A Russian biosatellite carrying mice, flies and even lunar dust is set to lift off from Kazakhstan on August 20. Scientists say this mission will help shape the future of medicine in space and deepen knowledge of how life adapts beyond Earth.

Bion-M No. 2 Mission Expands Research
The Bion-M No. 2 spacecraft will launch aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It will carry 75 mice, 1,500 fruit flies, plants and microorganisms. The mission continues Russia’s long-standing Bion programme, following the 2013 Bion-M No. 1 launch. Lunar simulants, prepared by the Vernadsky Institute and the Institute of Medical and Biological Problems, will also be tested in space. These rock and dust samples simulate material from the moon and will be subjected to vacuum and radiation for 30 days.

Analyzing Radiation and Biological Effects
Researchers seek to discover how radiation and microgravity influence organisms, such as their capacity to survive in space conditions. The results will be crucial for deep-space travel and planning medical operations for astronauts.

The satellite will be positioned in orbit around Earth at just about 97 degrees, subjecting samples to more cosmic radiation than at standard low-Earth orbits. Researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences have created over a decade of experiments to be executed throughout the mission.

Why Mice Were Selected for Spaceflight
Roscosmos chose mice because they are genetically close to humans and have a fast life cycle, making it less complicated to observe changes between generations.

Mice are more sensitive to radiation than numerous other animals. Three groups will be sent on the mission: mice on Earth in normal conditions, control mice on the ground equipment, and mice in space. Cameras and sensors will provide live updates on their health, while some rodents will have implanted chips for closer monitoring.

Officials stressed that data gathered will support preparation for human flights beyond Earth. Conditions on this mission will involve 30 per cent higher radiation levels than standard near-Earth orbits. The findings will help scientists understand long-term adaptation and recovery, as well as offer new insights for medicine on Earth.
Animals and Space:

• Were fruit flies the first animals sent into space? Yes. On 20 February 1947, fruit flies were launched aboard a V-2 rocket to study radiation effects on living organisms.
• Did NASA also send fruit flies into space? Yes. The United States used fruit flies in early missions to test how space radiation might affect future astronauts.
• Why were fruit flies, monkeys and dogs sent before humans? Animals were used to check survival in spaceflight and study biological processes before human missions began in 1961.
• Which animals went to space before humans? Fruit flies, monkeys, dogs, mice and rabbits were among the first animals sent to space, paving the way for human spaceflight.