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Biosphere 2: a prototype project for a permanent and evolving life system for Mars base.

M Nelson·J P Allen·W F Dempster
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Abstract

As part of the ground-based preparation for creating long-term life systems needed for space habitation and settlement, Space Biospheres Ventures (SBV) is undertaking the Biosphere 2 project near Oracle, Arizona. Biosphere 2, currently under construction, is scheduled to commence its operations in 1991 with a two-year closure period with a crew of eight people. Biosphere 2 is a facility which will be essentialy materially-closed to exchange with the outside environment. It is open to information and energy flow. Biosphere 2 is designed to achieve a complex life-support system by the integration of seven areas or "biomes"--rainforest, savannah, desert, marsh, ocean, intensive agriculture and human habitat. Unique bioregenerative technologies, such as soil bed reactors for air purification, aquatic waste processing systems, real-time analytic systems and complex computer monitoring and control systems are being developed for the Biosphere 2 project. Its operation should afford valuable insight into the functioning of complex life systems necessary for long-term habitation in space. It will serve as an experimental ground-based prototype and testbed for the stable, permanent life systems needed for human exploration of Mars.

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Air ConditioningArtificial IntelligenceComputer SystemsCrops, AgriculturalEcological Systems, ClosedEnvironment, ControlledEquipment DesignFacility Design and ConstructionHumansLife Support SystemsMarsSpace FlightWaste ManagementWater PurificationJournal Article

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M Nelson, J P Allen, W F Dempster. 1992. Biosphere 2: a prototype project for a permanent and evolving life system for Mars base.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0273-1177(92)90026-t

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