Mice May Become First Passengers of Russia's Mission to Moon - Researchers

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Institute of Medico-Biological Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences suggested that mice could be onboard of Russia's new Federatsiya (Federation) spacecraft during its first unmanned mission to the Moon, the institute's deputy director, Vladimir Sychev, has noted. "If the opportunity arises to use a promising manned spacecraft during its unmanned flights, we will put mice there", the official said. He recalled that the first Bion-M satellite was fired off in 2013. It carried mice, geckos, snails, and fish. The next one will have mice, plants, flies, animal cell cultures and microorganisms on board. So far, the only living organisms that have reached an 800 km height were American astronauts who flew to the moon, according to the official. After 30 days in space, the satellite will return to Earth. In addition to the French scientists, American experts from NASA, scientists from Germany, are planning to take part in experiments on the second Bion. At the same time, Sychev said that the results obtained after the flight of the first Bion-M "are very alarming". Scientists have found that the factors of space flight lead not only to physiological changes. They can relate to deeper structures at the molecular and genetic levels. The Federation reusable spacecraft, which is set to replace the Soyuz, has been under development by Russia's Energia Rocket and Space Corporation since 2009. The first unmanned test flight of the Federation is scheduled for 2022 and the first unmanned flight to the International Space Station is expected to take place the following year. The Federation is planned to take Russia's manned missions to the Moon in about 2030. Read more: https://sputniknews.com/science/201812291071087032-moon-mission-mice/