NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1974-080A
Bion 2 (Cosmos 690) carried albino rats for biomedical research. Soviet, Czech, and Romanian investigators subjected the rats to daily radiation doses from a gamma source by ground command. When they were recovered 20.5 days later, many rats had developed lung problems and their blood and bone marrow had changed more than those of control specimens.
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: 1974-10-22
Launch Vehicle: Soyuz
Launch Site: Plesetsk, U.S.S.R
Mass: 5500 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office