Irradiation of bio-objects aboard the Cosmos 690 biosatellite

Animals on the Cosmos 690 were exposed to Cs 137 gamma-radiation of 320 curies. The on board emitter was a spherical container made of tungsten alloy with a gamma source placed in the centre. A special dose filter provided a uniform +/-10% distribution of the dose field. Animal containers were equipped with thermoluminescent dosimeters. Radiation was monitored by an on-board dosimeter and displayed. The emitter was controlled by commands from the ground. On the tenth flight day the emitter was turned on and bio-objects were exposed for 24 hours. The dose received by bio-objects located in different areas of the biosatellite varied from 200 to 1000 rad. The flight experiment confirmed entirely the reliability of the radiation system.