Scientists Show Mice Immediately After Bion-M No. 2 Space Flight

The Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) of the Russian Academy of Sciences has released a groundbreaking video, offering the first public glimpse of mice immediately following their return from space. These mice were part of the crew aboard the Bion-M No. 2 satellite mission. The video, distributed via the institute`s Telegram channel, captures the crucial initial moments as researchers conduct post-flight assessments, including careful inspection, weighing, and administering simple tasks to evaluate the animals` immediate post-flight condition.

Beyond these preliminary checks, scientists are deeply engaged in analyzing the mice`s motor activity and meticulously recording their body temperatures. These measurements are vital for understanding the physiological responses of living organisms to the space environment. In the background of the video, researchers can be heard expressing their observations with enthusiasm, noting, “This one is running… Yes, indeed… Very lively,” highlighting the apparent resilience and activity levels of some of the rodent space travelers.

Mission Overview and Biological Cargo

The Bion-M No. 2 mission began with its launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome on August 20, propelled into orbit by a Soyuz-2.1b rocket. The satellite operated on a high-latitude orbit, maintaining an altitude between 370 and 380 kilometers. The spacecraft`s biological payload was extensive and varied, including 75 mice, over 1,500 Drosophila flies, animal and human stem cells, various medicinal plants, seeds, algae, and a collection of microorganisms. This diverse cargo was intended to facilitate a wide range of biological experiments during the mission.

After completing its 30-day journey in a polar orbit, which had an inclination of 96.63 degrees, the Bion-M No. 2 descent module successfully touched down in Russia`s Orenburg region on September 19. Throughout its time in space, the apparatus was instrumental in conducting more than 30 distinct experiments with these biological specimens, contributing valuable data to space biology and medicine. However, following the spacecraft`s return, Oleg Orlov, Director of the IBMP, announced that 10 of the mice unfortunately did not survive the rigors of the spaceflight. The remaining mice are now subjects of ongoing studies to investigate the long-term effects of cosmic travel.