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Two layers of AgCl detectors with a total surface of 90 cm2 were flown. Tracks of nuclei, from light (Z>4) up to the heaviest were recorded and could be distinguished by their geometrical trackwidths. The tracks were divided into five groups of atomic numbers, and their abundance was measured. Also the number of surviving nuclear stars was counted. 22.5 cm2 of the detector surface were covered with eggs of Artemia salina. The detectors could be developed without removing the eggs, so that the spots hit could be determined directly. The radiation effect on these eggs is being investigated.

The object of the Biostack experiment is to study the biological effects of high ZE particles of cosmic radiation in order to obtain information on the mechanism of these particles in biological matter. For this purpose individual local evaluation methods have been developed which allow one to identify each biologically effective particle and to correlate the individual hitting particle with the biological effect produced. The Biostack experimental package contains a series of monolayers of selected biological objects (Bacillus subtilis spores, Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, Vicia faba radiculae, Artemia salina eggs) with each layer sandwiched between several different cosmic ion track detectors (nuclear emulsions, cellulose nitrate, polycarbonate). By this arrangement a variety of biological effects due to a single penetrating particle can be analysed. Influence on cellular and tissue development, nuclear damages, and mutation induction are the main investigated effects. These space flight findings will be completed by results of balloon flight and accelerator experiments.