23 days ago
- Biosphere 2 was a large-scale sealed habitat experiment in Arizona where eight people lived for two years, growing their own food and recycling waste, despite challenges like hunger and pest infestations.
- The biospherians' diet primarily consisted of sweet potatoes, bananas, beets, goat milk, and lablab beans, leading to health improvements but also constant hunger and conflicts.
- Two farming approaches for off-world habitats are discussed: gnotobiology (minimalist, engineered systems) and ecological (complex, natural systems), with Biosphere 2 combining both.
- Martian farming requires about 100 square meters per person, but Martian sunlight is too weak for staple crops, necessitating pressurized habitats and artificial lighting.
- Transparent domes on Mars are impractical due to structural challenges, high leakage risks, heating needs, insufficient natural light, and radiation hazards, making underground facilities more sensible.
- The choice between soil and hydroponics for Martian farming involves trade-offs: soil offers familiarity and inertia, while hydroponics may offer control but less historical experience.