Foton-11 launch vehicle processing

The Soyuz launch vehicle with its Foton-11 payload is fully integrated in the MIK building at Plesetsk and ready for roll-out to the pad. Foton was encapsulated 2 days before launch and the upper stage attached to the booster 1 day before launch. The vehicle was transported horizontally on the low-loader and erected hydraulically. Russia's Foton-11 microgravity mission was launched from Plesetsk on 9 October 1997 carrying ESA's Biobox-3 and external Biopan-2 carriers, 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 200 km south-east of Kustenai in Kazakhstan on 23 October 1997. [Image Date: 08-10-97] [98.01-012-007]