21st century projects

JINR in the scientific programme for the Bion-M project

The employees of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research and of the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IBMP RAS) take part in joint experiments on the Bion-M biosatellite No.2. The key task of the scientific programme is the comprehensive research of the risks concerning the increased level of radiation in a near-polar orbit that is particularly relevant for scheduled flights at the new Russian orbital station.

The August 2025 launch of Bion-M No. 2 marked the further biological research of more than half a century in space. The Bion series includes 11 satellites launched from 1973 to 1996 and the upgraded Bion-M No.1 made its first flight in 2013. The second device, the start of which was postponed several times was successfully launched in 2025 within the framework of a joint project of the state corporation Roscosmos, the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Biological Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The goal of the mission was to study the impact on living organisms of conditions close to distant space during flight in polar orbit. The estimated level of cosmic radiation near the Earth's poles is about 30% higher than the same indicator in orbit of the International Space Station. The flight duration consisted of 30 days at an altitude of about 350 km. There were 75 mice, 1.5 thousand Drosophila flies, cell cultures, microorganisms, plants, mosses, samples of grain and industrial crops, as well as seeds obtained from plants that had previously been in space on the board.

Based on the results of the experiments, experts expect to obtain extensive data on the influence of space factors on biological objects. It will help in preparing for long manned deep space expeditions and in the development of new techniques for protecting living organisms from increased radiation.

In LRB, the effects of individual accelerated ions on various organisms are studied at basic facilities. Biosatellite experiments provide scientists with a unique opportunity to analyze the united effects of various types of cosmic radiation. Microorganisms are convenient objects for such research, since they do not require complex life support systems. During the last flight of Bion-M No.2, they were positioned both inside the satellite in the BIOCONT thermostatic chamber and on its outer surface in special tanks with an opening lid in the EXOBIOFROST chamber. This approach allows studying the effect of cosmic radiation on microorganisms both in open space and inside the device.

The employees of the Group of the Radiation Genetics of Lower Eukaryotes of LRB prepared lyophilized drugs and stationary cultures in a liquid culture environment for the experiment. The well-studied strain of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as two probiotic strains - yeast Saccharomyces boulardii and bacterial Lactiplantibacillus spices were used in the investigations.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast is a model organism widely used in space research to study the effects of radiation and stress on the genome and cellular processes. Such work contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of adaptation and protection of living organisms in space. Probiotics are used in manned flights to normalize the human microbiome, to stimulate the immune system and to improve cognitive function. After the successful landing of the biosatellite, the drugs were transferred to scientists for analysis. Preliminary data confirm the survival of the strains; there is a comprehensive research of control and visited in space samples. In addition, the physiological properties, survival, changes in genetic stability and radiosensitivity, the rate of cellular aging, as well as the dynamics of probiotic properties and sensitivity to antibiotics will be studied.

The employees of the Sector of the Molecular Genetics of the Cell of DLNP carried out an experiment to study the protective properties of the protein of tardigrades Dsup (Damage suppressor). The investigation was carried out on Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells in which the Dsup gene was artificially expressed.

E. coli is a key model organism for space research and an essential biotech culture. Increasing its stability and storage period is relevant for both space and terrestrial conditions. The Dsup protein, found in tardigrades, binds to the DNA molecule, producing a protective "shell" that reduces damage from radiation and reactive oxygen species. Expression of this protein in cells significantly reduces the number of DNA breaks and increases radiation survival, making it a promising tool for protecting biological systems in space and in clinical applications. The effects of spaceflight and the protector functions of the Dsup protein are to be studied using a complex of biophysical and genetic techniques.

The employees of the Astrobiology Sector of LRB carried out an experiment to study the possible mechanisms of the production of prebiotic molecules. Previously, as it was found, irradiation with ionizing radiation of suspended formamide and meteorite matter results in the synthesis of nucleic bases, amino acids, sugars and other compounds. Within the framework of this research, the possible production of such molecules from formamide in front of terrestrial rocks and meteorites after exposure to a complex of cosmic factors - radiation, hypomagnetic environment and extreme temperatures is tested. It will allow a deeper understanding of the processes of prebiotic chemistry that could occur in outer space and affect the emergence of life not only on Earth, but also in other parts of the Universe.

Thus, the representatives of the Joint Institute are extensively engaged in the scientific programme of the Bion-M biosatellite No.2, aimed at studying the effect of complex space factors - primarily increased radiation and weightlessness on living organisms in a polar near-earth orbit. The use of advanced techniques allows studying the united effects of various types of radiation, investigating protector mechanisms at the level of genes and proteins (such as Dsup), as well as prebiotic processes significant for understanding the origin of life and biochemical resistance in space. The findings are essential for preparing long-duration manned missions, developing efficient strategies for radiation protection of living systems, as well as understanding fundamental biological processes in extraterrestrial conditions.

JINR and IBMP RAS cooperation makes a key contribution to the development of space biology and astronautics, strengthening the scientific potential of the Russian Federation in the field of studying the biological effects of space and providing a basis for future research and technology.

Natalia KOLTOVA (LRB),
Elena KRAVCHENKO (DLNP),
Mikhail KAPRALOV (LRB),
Igor KOSHLAN (LRB)