Foton-11 recovery with ESA experiments

The returned descent capsule of Foton-11 after a successful mission. The parachute was released from the visible compartment. The orange buoy at right would help the capsule to float in the case of a water landing. The characteristic outline of Biopan can be seen on the right side of the capsule. 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 200 km south-east of Kustenay in Kazakhstan on 23 October 1997. [Image Date: 23-10-97] [97.12.010-012]