Biosphere 2’s Lessons about Living on Earth and in Space

Abstract

Biosphere 2, the largest and most biodiverse closed ecological system facility yet created, has contributed vital lessons for living with our planetary biosphere and for long-term habitation in space. From the space life support perspective, Biosphere 2 contrasted with previous BLSS work by including areas based on Earth wilderness biomes in addition to its provision for human life support and by using a soil-based intensive agricultural system producing a complete human diet. No previous BLSS system had included domestic farm animals. All human and domestic animal wastes were also recycled and returned to the crop soils. Biosphere 2 was important as a first step towards learning how to miniaturize natural ecosystems and develop technological support systems compatible with life. Biosphere 2’s mostly successful operation for three years (1991-1994) changed thinking among space life support scientists and the public at large about the need for minibiospheres for long-term habitation in space. As an Earth systems laboratory, Biosphere 2 was one of the first attempts to make ecology an experimental science at a scale relevant to planetary issues such as climate change, regenerative agriculture, nutrient and water recycling, loss of biodiversity, and understanding of the roles wilderness biomes play in the Earth’s biosphere. Biosphere 2 aroused controversy because of narrow definitions and expectations of how science is to be conducted. The cooperation between engineers and ecologists and the requirement to design a technosphere that supported the life inside without harming it have enormous relevance to what is required in our global home. Applications of bioregenerative life support systems for near-term space applications such as initial Moon and/or Mars bases, will be severely limited by high costs of transport to space and so will rely on lighter weight, hydroponic systems of growing plants which will focus first on water and air regeneration and gradually increase its production of food required by astronauts or inhabitants. The conversion of these systems to more robust and sustainable systems will require advanced technologies, e.g., to capture sunlight for plant growth or process usable materials from the lunar or Martian atmosphere and regolith, leading to greater utilization of in situ space resources and less on transport from Earth. There are many approaches to the accomplishment of space life support. Significant progress has been made especially by two research efforts in China and the MELiSSA project of the European Space Agency. These approaches use cybernetic controls and the integration of intensive modules to accomplish food production, waste treatment and recycling, atmospheric regeneration, and in some systems, high-protein production from insects and larvae. Biosphere 2 employed a mix of ecological self-organization and human intervention to protect biodiversity for wilderness biomes with a tighter management of food crops in its agriculture. Biosphere 2’s aims were different than bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) which have focused exclusively on human life support. Much more needs to be learned from both smaller, efficient ground-based BLSS for nearer-term habitation and from minibiospheric systems for long-term space application to transform humanity and Earth-life into truly multiplanet species.

Impacts of Global Climate Change on Agricultural Production: A Comprehensive Review

“…Since plants grow in controlled environments without the need for herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides, food safety is enhanced, and the environmental impact of chemicals is reduced [106]. Research on closed-loop ecosystems worldwide indicates that this comprehensive management approach not only enhances resource efficiency but also improves the sustainability of agricultural production, providing essential data and technological support for future space exploration [107,108]. In conclusion, the creation of sustainable closed-loop systems offers innovative solutions for addressing climate change and promoting agricultural sustainability, with significant ecological and economic implications.…”

Advancements in Testing Strategies for COVID-19

“…Because of technology support systems for survival in this biosphere, biodiversity, climate, and immunity are being compromised. Before transforming our global home into a technosphere, engineers and ecologists should work together to eliminate bio waste hazards [ 261 ]. Individually, COVID-19 posed two key challenges: isolation and immunity.…”

Long-Duration Space Travel Support Must Consider Wider Influences to Conserve Microbiota Composition and Function

“…Spaceships instead may need to become living vehicles or “earthships” to recycle carbon and nitrogen within the system by farming to sustain human health indefinitely. Biosphere projects on Earth, essentially enclosing people with sustaining flora and fauna within finite space, have not always been successful and require miniaturization, but have demonstrated success in achieving food self-sufficiency [ 92 ]. Incorporating the lessons learned from these initial investigations, traveling for years in space will require additional approaches to ensure dietary needs are met, such as growing grains, fruits, vegetables, fungi, insects, and potentially even “lab meat” cultivated from cells.…”