Investigations on biosatellites of the Cosmos series

Journal Article · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Aviat., Space Environ. Med.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6578356

Ilin, E A

The results of biological experiments conducted on specialized Soviet satellite missions from 1970 through 1979 are summarized. The primary areas of investigation included the effects of weightlessness and/or artificial gravity (1G) on the growth, development, and function of different organisms and tissues and on the radiosensitivity of rats. The experimental design is explained, stressing the importance of ground controls in satellite mockups and immediate postflight evaluation. The structural and functional changes which occur in rats during weightlessness are discussed and shown to be both reversible upon return to earth gravity and avoidable by centrifuge-induced artificial gravity. The negative effects observed in the artificial-gravity experiments are attributed to the small radius of the centrifuges used. No significant effects of weightlessness on radiosensitivity, intracellular processes, or overall embryogenesis were found, but (as expected) plant-cell shape and the embryonic growth of plant roots were affected. 42 references.

• Research Organization: Institut Mediko-Biologicheskikh Problem, Moscow, USSR
• OSTI ID: 6578356
• Journal Information: Aviat., Space Environ. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Aviat., Space Environ. Med.; (United States) Vol. 54; ISSN ASEMC
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550000 -- Biomedical Sciences
Basic Studies
560152* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Animals
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGY
BIOSATELLITES
CYTOLOGY
MAMMALS
PLANTS
RADIOSENSITIVITY
RATS
RODENTS
SATELLITES
VERTEBRATES
WEIGHTLESSNESS