Summary of This Is The Largest Earth Science Experiment. What Went Wrong?

The video discusses the ambitious Earth science experiment known as Biosphere 2, launched in 1987 in Oracle, Arizona, aimed at simulating an artificial Closed Ecological System to explore the potential for human colonization of Mars and to study Earth's ecosystems. Despite its innovative design and significant funding, the project faced numerous challenges and failures.

Key Scientific Concepts and Discoveries:

Closed Ecological System: Biosphere 2 was designed to function as a self-sustaining ecosystem, mimicking Earth's environments to study life support systems for potential Mars colonization.
Atmospheric Management: The facility included advanced technology such as artificial lungs for air pressure regulation and air handling units for temperature and humidity control.
Soil Bacteria and Oxygen Levels: Soil bacteria produced excessive carbon dioxide, leading to dangerously low oxygen levels for the crew, which dropped to 14.2%, akin to altitudes of 17,000 feet.
Chemical Reactions: The interaction between carbon dioxide and calcium hydroxide in the concrete walls resulted in the formation of calcium carbonate, further complicating oxygen production.
Ecological Interactions: The introduction of various species led to unexpected ecological outcomes, including mass extinction of some species and the dominance of invasive species like certain ants.

Challenges Faced:

Health and Safety Issues: The crew experienced low oxygen levels and had to deal with injuries and hunger, leading to significant psychological stress.
Environmental Management: Water systems became polluted, requiring complex filtration methods, and agricultural production was insufficient for the crew's needs.
Secrecy and Media Scrutiny: Despite initial claims of isolation, the crew received undisclosed supplies and support, leading to public skepticism about the project's integrity.

Methodology:

Design and Construction:
- Built between 1987 and 1991, encompassing 3.14 acres with various ecosystems.
- Included an airtight glass structure and a technosphere for environmental control.
Mission Parameters:
- Eight crew members lived inside for two years, tasked with food production and ecosystem maintenance.
- Encountered significant ecological and atmospheric challenges, leading to interventions such as liquid oxygen deliveries.

Legacy:

Despite its failures, Biosphere 2 contributed to scientific understanding of ecological systems and highlighted the fragility of Earth's biosphere. It remains a site for ongoing research under the University of Arizona.

Featured Researchers and Sources:

John P. Allen (Engineer and designer)
Ed Bass (Funding contributor)
Dr. Joseph Gitelson (Head of the Bios 3 project)
Bill Dempster (Engineering systems director and designer of the spheres lungs)
Vladimir Nadski (Soviet scientist, historical reference)

Notable Quotes

— 14:27 — « The biosphere 2 experiment failed to generate sufficient breathable air, drinkable water, and adequate food for just 8 humans, despite a massive expense of over 200 million dollars. »

— 14:42 — « Life itself is an experiment. »

— 15:34 — « It's a useful lesson of just how fragile the earth's own biosphere can be and humans were a very important part of biosphere 2. »