Biopan-2 preparation at ESTEC

ESA's Biopan experiment carrier at ESTEC before integration of the six experiments, during a functional test with its Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE). Biopan, designed and manufactured for ESA by Kayser-Threde to ride on the outside of a reentry capsule, opens in orbit to expose experiments to the space environment. The white paint applied to its heat shield improves its thermal behaviour in orbit. Russia's Foton-11 microgravity mission was launched from Plesetsk on 9 October 1997 carrying ESA's Biobox-3 and external Biopan-2 facilities, plus three autonomous experiments, totalling 12 biology experiments involving scientists from France, Belgium, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands and Russia. Foton also carried payloads from CNES and DARA. The descent capsule landed safely 100 km south-east of Kustenai in Kazakhstan on 23 October 1997. [Image Date: 06-10-97] [97.12.010-006]