Russia is developing a new space biology and medicine satellite, according to the RIA Novosti news service.

The Progress design and production center is developing this satellite, which will be called Bion-M.

It will spend perhaps half a year in orbit, versus a couple of weeks for current satellites in the class, and the new bird will be able to reach a higher orbit of 400 to 500 km, or 248.5 miles to 310.7 miles — rather than the former 200 to 300 km, or 124.3 miles to 186.4 miles.

There have been 11 Bions launched over 35 years with experiments involving various organisms, plants and animal life.