Foton-M No.4

Spacecraft nº:

Russian spacecraft nº:

Launch data: Designation  40095 / 14041A Launch date  18 Jul 2014 - 20:50 UT Launch site  Baikonur, LC-31/6 Launch vehicle  Soyuz-2-1A Mission  Micro-gravity Earth orbit: Perigee / Apogee   km Eccentricity   Inclination   ° Period   min

Description:

• Foton-M 4 is the first satellite of the next generation (34KSM) of russian micro-gravity research satellites.
• While retaining the Vostok/Zenit-derived reentry module of the earlier Foton / Foton-M, the propulsion module has been replace by a Yantar type module, which provides maneuvering capabilities and longer mission support. The mission duration has been increased to up to 6 months by using solar cells for energy generation. The weight of scientific equipment has been increased by 100 kilograms.
• FOTON M4 is a satellite that carries experiments to study the effects of the harsh environment of space on organisms, manufacturing materials, plus other investigations. The spacecraft carries nearly 1,900 pounds (862 kg) of research hardware inside and outside the capsule. The mission marks the 16th flight of a recoverable Foton spacecraft since 1985. The Foton M4 mission carries several upgrades to extend the duration of its flight, including solar panels to generate electricity and a new propulsion module to adjust its altitude.

Mission details:

• Foton-M No. 4 was launched from Baykonur on Jul 18, 2014 by a Soyuz-2-1A into a 252 x 552 km x 64.9 deg orbit. This Foton-M, while retaining the Vostok spherical cabin, uses the new extended length service module (probably derived from the Yantar' series?). Microgravity and life sciences experiments are on board; life science speciments include geckos and tardigrades. The return capsule includes samples exposed on the exterior for reentry studies.
• On Jul 24 it was revealed that the satellite was not responding to ground commands, although it continued to send back telemetry. Control was later reported to have been regained, but a scheduled orbit raise burn was cancelled and on Aug 12 the orbit was still 250 x 542 km.
• This mission is the first 34KSM Foton-M spacecraft; the previous three missions, although named Foton-M, were spacecraft number 13 to 15 in the original 34KS Foton series.
• Foton-M No. 4 landed in the Orenburg district on Sep 1, 2014 at 0918 UTC.
  The geckos carried as part of the payload, however, were found to have died.