Biosphere 2 is an artificial closed environmental system in Oracle, Arizona built by Edward P. Bass, Space Biosphere Ventures and others. Constructed between 1987 and 1989, it was used to test if and how people could live and study in a closed biosphere, at the same time carrying out scientific experiments. It explored the potential use of closed biospheres in space colonization, and also allowed the study and manipulation of a biosphere without harming Earth's. The project conducted two sealed missions; the first from 1991 September 26 to 1993 September 26, and the second for six months in 1994. During the first mission, oxygen fell while Carbon Dioxide levels rose. Oxygen and other supplies were provided, and the project lost some credibility. In 1995 the Biosphere 2 owners transferred management to Columbia University. Since 1996, over 1200 graduate students have spent a year in the Biosphere 2 Center (as of 2003). The site has its own hotel and conference center. Columbia has since divested itself of all Biosphere-related responsibilities. (BOB EDWARDS (2002)
As of January 10, 2005 Decisions Investments Corporation, owners of Biosphere 2, have announced that the Biosphere 2 campus is for sale. They would decide if a research use was found for the complex, but are looking for buyers with different intentions, such as universities, churches, resorts, spas, etc. The scientific method is difficult to apply due to the complexity of the biosphere and the absence of a control.
Like Project Apollo, Biosphere 2 is an achievement of engineering rather than science. The aboveground physical structure of Biosphere 2 was made of steel tubing and high-performance glass and steel frames. The frame and glazing materials were designed and made to specification by a firm run by a one-time student of Buck Minster Fuller, Peter Pearce (Peter Pearce &.......
