NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1985-059A
Bion 7 (Cosmos 1667) was a biomedical research mission involving scientists from nine countries. It carried two Rhesus monkeys, ten male rats, and ten newts. The monkey research focused on vestibular and blood flow investigations as well as radiation effects. The newts had part of their front limbs amputated and their crystalline lenses removed to study the possible rate of human recovery from injuries incurred in space. A biocalorimeter monitored energy exchange during the emergence of flies from nymphs; 1500 drosophila flies were carried for this purpose. The payload also included maize seeds, crocuses, and guppies in an aquarium. The mission was recovered after seven days.
The spacecraft was based on the Zenit reconnaissance satellite and launches began in 1973 with primary emphasis on the problems of radiation effects on human beings. Launches in the program included Cosmos 110, 605, 670, 782, plus Nauka modules flown on Zenit-2M reconnaissance satellites. 90 kg of equipment could be contained in the external Nauka module.
Launch Date: 1985-07-10
Launch Vehicle: Soyuz
Launch Site: Plesetsk, U.S.S.R
Mass: 5700 kg
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