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Russian Research Satellite to Conduct Microgravity Experiments
By Anatoly Zak
Staff Writer
posted: 12:07 pm ET
09 September 1999
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foton_launchMilitary ground crews at Cosmodrome Plesetsk, Russia's northern launch site, are conducting final checks for a planned launch Thursday of a Soyuz booster carrying a Foton-12 satellite, according to the Russian Space Agency. The unmanned satellite is expected to spend just over two weeks in orbit, conducting microgravity experiments in chemistry and biotechnology for the Russian and European space agencies. Because it is a small, unpiloted spacecraft with no rotating parts, the level of microgravity available for experiments onboard Foton-type spacecraft is hundreds of times higher than that achievable on the Space Shuttle or the Mir space station. Life support systems and other electric motors on these piloted craft cause vibrations that limit the level of microgravity. Upon completion of its two-week mission, the spacecraft's reentry vehicle will return to Earth with its 1,342 lb. (610 kg) scientific payload. In addition to the reentry vehicle, the 14,100 lb. (6,410 kg) spacecraft includes an expendable instrument module and a battery container. Both separate from the reentry module and burn-up in the atmosphere at the end of the mission. The design of the Foton spacecraft, including the retrievable reentry capsule and the instrument module, is similar to the design of a classified Russian photo-surveillance satellite. The first Foton-type satellite was launched on April 16, 1985, and was officially announced by the USSR as Cosmos-1645. Since then, 10 additional Foton missions have been conducted.
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