BIOSPHERE 2
The Presets for Biosphere 2 provide users with a deep dive into the data of the historic, two-years terrestrial mission in which eight crew members were sealed inside of a massive vessel in the rural desert of Southeast Arizona. The intent of this activity is for users to experience the complexity of a bioregenerative life support system (BLSS) and learn from the challenges and success of the 1991-93 and 1994 missions. Presets load almost instantly as the data is pre-generated and stored on the SIMOC server. Or, you can download the preset data and run locally after SIMOC is loaded into your web browser.

If you make even one change to any Preset, the server will generate an entirely new, custom habitat according to your design.

To access the Mars simulation, from the main menu (upper right) log out then back in again, selecting MARS.

Preset 1: Mission 1a

Location: Biosphere 2
Duration Length: 475
Inhabitants: 8
Food: fully self-supportive
Volume: 3.2 acres total
Power source: on-grid
ECLSS: bioregenerative

The first historical mission (1991-93), up until day 475 when supplemental O₂ was added. Keep an eye on oxygen producers (plants) and consumers (humans and biomes). How do their rates change over the course of the simulation, and why? 

SIMOC B2 for Biosphere 2

   

  • Take note of the steady decline of oxygen.
  • What in Biosphere 2 could be consuming the CO₂?

Preset 2: Mission 1b

Location: Biosphere 2
Duration Length: 257 Days
Inhabitants: 8
Food: fully self-supportive
Volume: 3.2 acres total
Power source: on-grid
ECLSS: bioregenerative

The first historical mission, from the point at which O₂ was added (day 475) to the end (day 732). Therefore the composition of the atmosphere and concrete carbonation at the start of this simulation match the end of Mission 1a. Mission 1b also includes starting O₂ reserves and a modified greenhouse layout. How does the layout impact food production and O₂/CO₂ exchange? 

  • Pay attention to the CO₂ and O₂ agents.
  • Pay attention to the concrete agent.

Preset 3: Mission 2

Location: Biosphere 2
Duration Length: 185 Days
Inhabitants: 7
Food: fully self-supportive
Volume: 3.2 acres total
Power source: on-grid
ECLSS: bioregenerative

The second historical mission (1994), with ideal sunlight and improved crop management practices. How do these factors affect plant productivity? It also includes concrete carbonation accumulated during Mission 1. Compared to Mission 1, How many participants are sealed inside?

  • Take note of the more stable atmospheric composition.
  • Study the concrete’s CO₂ flows

Custom Preset

As soon as you make just one adjustment to any of the Presets, the Custom Preset option becomes visible. You can save your custom preset within SIMOC, or download it from the Main menu, to be reloaded for a future run