Biopan
Biopan is a multi-user exposure facility, designed for exobiology, radiation biology, radiation dosimetry and material science investigations in space.
After the test flight 3 operational flights of Biopan were already successfully completed (Foton 9 in ’94, Foton 11 in ’97 & Foton 12 in ’99).
Biopan is installed on the external surface of the Foton descent capsule protruding from the thermal blancket that envelops the satellite and is protected with a heat shield for re-entry.
Mission profile of the facility includes late installation at the launch site and early retrieval after landing. Biopan is provided with a motor-driven hinged lid, which during nominal operations opens 180° in orbit to expose the samples to the harsh space environment.
The telemetry and telecommand capabilities of the payload are increased. The facility is equipped with a variety of temperature, pressure and radiation sensors (UV, radiometers, detectors).
