[Animal experiments on the cosmos series biosatellites (results and prospects)]

Results of animal (rat) experiments carried out onboard biosatellites Cosmos-605, 690, 782, 936 and 1129 are presented with emphasis on changes in metabolism and musculo-skeletal system. The modifying effect of weightlessness on the animal radiosensitivity is considered. The use of artificial gravity as a countermeasure against adverse effects of weightlessness is discussed. As an immediate perspective, primate experiments aimed at a detailed study of mechanisms of weightlessness induced changes in the structure and function of the cardiovascular, musculo-skeletal and vestibular systems are described.