Three capsules, each the size of a washing machine, are currently orbiting the Earth. These capsules are being used in scientific experiments aimed at developing new medicines and testing critical technologies.
Research in weightless conditions
Inside one of the capsules, scientists are growing tiny crystals that could become the basis for a potential anti-cancer drug. Conditions such as weightlessness create unique opportunities for scientific research in medicine.
Testing space technologies
In addition to pharmaceutical development, the capsules are also used to test the durability of materials. In particular, heat-shield materials and navigation systems are being tested. This is necessary in case the capsules return to Earth's atmosphere at hypersonic speeds.
All these activities related to launching equipment into orbit are aimed at progress in two key areas — medicine and space engineering.
