The past, present and future of Biopan

Abstract

Abstract B iopan is an exposure facility for biological experiments in space. Between 1992 and 1999 B iopan completed four missions in low Earth orbit on Russian F oton satellites, whereby 16 experiments were conducted by Baglioni and Demets [Baglioni, P., Demets, R. Astrobiology on recoverable carriers: the ESA B iopan experience, in: 51th International Astronautical Congress, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2–6 October 2000, IAF/IAA-00-4.2.02, 2000.] . A fifth attempt to put B iopan in orbit failed in 2002 when the launcher crashed. The B iopan programme will be resumed with two more flights in 2005 and 2006. B iopan is a pan-shaped container, fitted onto the outside of the F oton spacecraft, carrying experiments with a total mass of 3.5 kg. By opening a motor-driven lid, the experiments are exposed to solar light, cosmic rays, vacuum and wide temperature fluctuations. The space environment is monitored by solar sensors, thermometers and investigator-provided radiation detectors. During re-entry, the lid is closed to prevent overheating of the experiments. The orbital parameters selected for the B iopan missions are highly consistent. This facilitates a repetition of the experiments if necessary, and it helps to predict the experiment environment on future flights. Over the years the capabilities of B iopan have gradually been enhanced. More, heavier and more complex experiments can now be accommodated, the sensors have been upgraded, power can be provided to the experiments and experiment data can be recorded. B iopan is designed and manufactured under ESA contract by Kayser-Threde (Germany) with Kayser Italia (Italy) and TsSKB-Progress (Russia) as subcontractors. This article focuses on the characteristics of B iopan as a tool for investigators. Information about the experiments and the scientific results can be found elsewhere.