Animal Migration Studies with the Use of ICARUS Scientific Equipment in the URAGAN Space Experiment aboard the Russian Segment of the ISS

The major challenges of space research are monitoring and exploration of our planet, which are carried out through the use of remote sensing satellites (RSS) operating in near-Earth orbits. They provide invaluable information for assessing the environmental, epidemiological and other situations on our planet, including animal migration data. The ICARUS project (International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space) implemented on the International Space Station (ISS) is an ideal laboratory for in-orbit testing of instrumentation and various space technologies aimed to refine methods for tracking movements of mammals and birds. The paper analyzes the experience in the operation of the animal migration monitoring system installed in the Russian segment (RS) of the ISS (ISS RS). The system has incorporated the latest accomplishments in space science, satellite navigation, control technology, and microelectronics. The scientific results on the study of animal and bird migrations obtained within the Russian research program are briefly discussed.