Russia to send 75 mice, 1,500 flies to space on Bion biosatellite

Russia is sending 75 mice and 1,500 flies to space aboard the Bion-M No. 2 biosatellite, which is set to lift off from Kazakhstan on Wednesday. The mission will also carry plants and microorganisms to study radiation effects on living organisms. Roscosmos chose mice because they are genetically close to humans and more sensitive to radiation than numerous other animals.