Biosatellite 2

a satellite designed to investigate the influence of space flight on living organisms

Launched on September 7, 1967, Biosatellite 2 was loaded with insects, frog eggs, microorganisms, plants, and other living organisms. The primary objective of the mission was to determine whether organisms were more or less sensitive to ionizing radiation in microgravity than on Earth. Although the mission had to be ended early due to communications problems and tropical storms in the recovery area, it was considered a success.

This pepper plant was one of the organisms carried into space by Biosatellite 2. Before launch, the plant grew normally. (top) After 18 hours in space, the leaves drooped all the wat to the stem.

The capsule that contained the experiments, along with its descent parachute, was donated to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, where it was placed on public display.

SOURCE
National Air and Space Museum airandspace.si.edu

Questions or comments about this page?

This page was last updated on 05/25/2017.