Biomodule for Nanosatellites (IMAGE) Samara University Caption At present, biological researches in orbit are conducted mainly either on board the ISS, or on large scientific satellites, such as Russian spacecrafts of the Bion series. In view of the complexity of creating such spacecrafts, they are not often launched: the previous Bion-M was sent into orbit in 2013, and the launch of the next one is expected not earlier than in 2021. Credit Samara University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.