Did Biosphere 2 make any discoveries later used on manned spaceflight missions?

  • Thread starter Ganesh Ujwal
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In summary, Biosphere 2 operated as a closed ecological system from 1991 to 1994 and researchers found that the original crew's lowered blood pressure, cholesterol, and enhanced immune systems were a result of the low calorie restriction diet. However, there is no evidence of any specific scientific discoveries or products from Biosphere 2 being used in manned space flight. The main takeaway from Biosphere 2 is the importance of prioritizing science over publicity.
  • #1
Ganesh Ujwal
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My Actual Question: Did Biosphere 2 make any discoveries later used on manned space flight?

Biosphere 2 operated as a closed entity for study of closed ecological systems for stints between 1991 to 1994. Given that the ISS has been continuously inhabited from 2000 to the present day, it seems like any lessons learned from Biosphere 2 would have been timely and relevant.

Was there even a single discovery or clearly identifiable scientific product that resulted from Biosphere 2 and was later used for the ISS or other manned spaceflight?
 
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  • #2
I visited the biosphere two and spoke with a researcher from Columbia about some of the plants they had there. I've found no evidence for identifiable scientific product(s) later used by the ISS and/or other manned spaceflight. However, researchers of biosphere two found the original crew's lowered blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and enhancement of there immune systems to be caused by Roy Walford's low calorie restriction diet (Walford, R., Mock D, Verdery R, MacCallum T, Calorie Restriction in Biosphere 2 Alterations in Physiologic, Hematologic, Hormonal, and Biochemical Parameters in Humans Restricted for a 2-Year Period). Perhaps, this could be interpreted as a model for outer space cuisine for astronauts. Probably not though. Currently, researchers at biosphere two study different biomes and there interactions.
 
  • #3
Ganesh Ujwal said:
Was there even a single discovery or clearly identifiable scientific product that resulted from Biosphere 2 and was later used for the ISS or other manned spaceflight?

The main lesson to be learned from Biosphere 2 is not to favor publicity over science. I don't know if this was used for ISS or other manned spaceflight but I hope it will be considered for any major project in space or on Earth.
 

1. What is Biosphere 2 and its purpose?

Biosphere 2 is an artificial, closed ecological system designed to simulate the Earth's environment and support human life. It was built in the early 1990s for research on sustainable self-sufficient living and to understand the interactions between humans, plants, and animals in a controlled environment.

2. Did Biosphere 2 make any discoveries that were later used on manned spaceflight missions?

Yes, Biosphere 2's research in closed ecological systems and human interactions with them has been valuable in understanding the sustainability of long-term space missions. Its findings have been used in designing and developing life support systems for future manned spaceflights.

3. What specific discoveries or technologies from Biosphere 2 have been applied to space missions?

Biosphere 2's research on food production, waste management, and air and water recycling have been particularly useful in developing sustainable life support systems for space missions. Its study of plant growth in controlled environments has also contributed to the development of advanced agricultural technologies for space agriculture.

4. How has Biosphere 2's research impacted our understanding of Earth's ecosystems?

Biosphere 2's research has provided valuable insights into the functioning and resilience of Earth's ecosystems. It has helped us understand the complex interactions between living and non-living components of these systems and how they respond to environmental changes. This knowledge has been applied to conservation and restoration efforts on our planet.

5. Are there any ongoing research projects or collaborations between Biosphere 2 and space agencies?

Yes, Biosphere 2 continues to conduct research on sustainable living and its applications to space exploration. It has collaborated with NASA and other space agencies on various projects, including studying the effects of microgravity on plant growth and developing technologies for closed-loop life support systems for long-term space missions.

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