Bion-M n°2

Bion-M is an uncrewed Russian spacecraft, which is capable of returning to Earth with biological experiments. Bion-M is the next generation of Russian biological research satellites, based on the Vostok spacecraft. While retaining the Vostok spacecraft/Zenit reconnaissance satellite-derived reentry module of the earlier Bion series, the propulsion module has been replaced by one derived from Yantar reconnaissance satellites, providing maneuvering capabilities and longer mission support. Maximum mission duration has been increased to up to 6 months by using solar cells for energy generation. The mass of scientific equipment that can be carried has also been increased by 100 kilograms.