Soyuz 2.1b | Bion-M No. 2
Soyuz 2.1b • Soyuz
📝 Mission Description
Soyuz 2.1b Set to Launch Bion-M No. 2: Advancing Biological Research in Orbit
On August 20, 2025, Russia's space agency Roscosmos will launch the Bion-M No. 2 mission aboard a Soyuz 2.1b rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. This mission represents a significant step forward in biological research satellites, building on decades of Soviet and Russian expertise in space-based life sciences. The Bion-M series is designed to study the effects of long-duration spaceflight on living organisms, providing critical data for future human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
At the heart of the Bion-M No. 2 mission are its objectives to investigate microgravity's impact on biological systems. The satellite will carry a diverse payload of experiments, including rodents, insects, plants, and microorganisms, exposed to cosmic radiation and weightlessness for up to six months. This extended duration—double that of some earlier Bion missions—allows researchers to observe chronic effects, such as changes in bone density, muscle atrophy, and genetic mutations. Payload capabilities have been enhanced with an additional 100 kilograms of scientific equipment, enabling more sophisticated instrumentation like automated bioreactors and real-time telemetry systems. The satellite's reentry module, derived from the venerable Vostok/Zenit design, ensures safe return of biological samples to Earth for detailed analysis. A key upgrade is the replacement of the traditional propulsion module with a Yantar-type service module, which offers improved orbital maneuvering and solar-powered energy generation, sustaining operations without the limitations of battery life.
The Soyuz 2.1b rocket powering this launch is a modern iteration of the reliable Soyuz family, optimized for medium-lift payloads. Standing approximately 46 meters tall with a launch mass of about 312 tons, it features a three-stage core design augmented by four liquid-fueled boosters. The first stage uses RD-107A engines burning kerosene and liquid oxygen, delivering over 800 kilonewtons of thrust each. The second stage employs an RD-108A engine, while the third stage, a Block I, incorporates the RD-0124 engine for precise orbital insertion. This configuration allows the Soyuz 2.1b to place up to 7,800 kilograms into low Earth orbit, making it ideal for scientific satellites like Bion-M. Digital flight control systems introduced in the 2.1 series enhance accuracy and reliability compared to analog predecessors.
The Soy
ℹ️ Official Details
Bion-M is the next generation of Russian biological research satellites. While retaining the Vostok/Zenit-derived reentry module of the earlier Bion, the propulsion module has been replace by a Yantar type module, which provides maneuvering capabilities and longer mission support. The mission duration has been increased to up to 6 months by using solar cells for energy generation. The weight of scientific equipment has been increased by 100 kilograms.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Soyuz 2.1b launch of Bion-M No. 2 on August 20, 2025, achieved successful orbital insertion and payload deployment, marking a significant step forward for Russian biological research satellites. The mission executed flawlessly, with the rocket delivering the payload into the intended orbit. The upgraded Bion-M design, featuring a Yantar-type propulsion module, enhances maneuvering capabilities and extends mission duration to six months through solar cell energy generation. Additionally, the capacity for scientific equipment increased by 100 kilograms, boosting research potential. Key engineering outcomes include validated upgrades in propulsion and power systems, ensuring sustained operations for long-duration studies. This success paves the way for future Bion-M missions, reinforcing Russia's capabilities in space-based biological research and potentially enabling more complex experiments in microgravity environments.