The Grand Experiment

To test Biosphere II's ability to maintain a self-sustaining ecosystem in total isolation from the rest of the world, an eight-member crew was chosen to spend two years sealed in the facility. The four men and four women would produce their own food in the agricultural area, while at the same time monitoring their environment and carrying out a variety of scientific experiments.

After years of training and several shorter stays in the structure, the crew entered Biosphere II on September 26, 1991. Whether or not they could survive without outside assistance would determine the project's success or failure.

pic of road up to biosphere

pic of inside biodome

pic of water in biodome

Images courtesy of SGDHS students



 
 
 
 
 

[Home] [Earth: Biosphere I][Why Biosphere II?] [Biosphere Plans] [Grand Experiment] [What Went Wrong?][Lessons for the Future]


Contact WebMasters:
Erin Walker and Diana Carroll