Bion-M No. 2
Soyuz 2.1a
Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS)
Mission
Bion-M No. 2
- Type: Biology
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $80,000,000
Bion-M is the next generation of Russian biological research satellites. While retaining the Vostok/Zenit-derived reentry module of the earlier Bion, the propulsion module has been replace by a Yantar type module, which provides maneuvering capabilities and longer mission support. The mission duration has been increased to up to 6 months by using solar cells for energy generation. The weight of scientific equipment has been increased by 100 kilograms.
Location
31/6
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan
31/6 has witnessed the launch of 422 rockets, including 422 orbital launch attempts. While Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan, has been the site for 1555 rocket launches.
The Baikonur Cosmodrome is a spaceport operated by Russia within Kazakhstan. Located in the Kazakh city of Baikonur, it is the largest operational space launch facility in terms of area. All Russian crewed spaceflights are launched from Baikonur.
Rocket
Progress Rocket Space Center Soyuz 2.1a
The Soyuz 2.1A converted the flight control system from analog to digital, which allowed launch from fixed platforms. It also allowed big fairings and payloads.
It is currently used for crewed Soyuz and Progress flights to the ISS.
Agency
Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS)
The Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities, commonly known as Roscosmos, is the governmental body responsible for the space science program of the Russian Federation and general aerospace research. Soyuz has many launch locations the Russian sites are Baikonur, Plesetsk and Vostochny however Ariane also purchases the vehicle and launches it from French Guiana.
