I Explored A $200,000,000 Forgotten Space Colony

Summary

The video explores Biosphere 2, a 3.14-acre closed ecosystem designed to replicate Earth's environment, located in the Arizona desert. Initially intended as a prototype for space colonization, it housed eight researchers for two years starting in 1991. Despite facing challenges like plummeting oxygen levels, Biosphere 2 continues to facilitate groundbreaking research under the University of Arizona's ownership. The video also celebrates Seeker's Day, introduces a scholarship program, and features Symphony, a resilient high school graduate who overcame homelessness to pursue her dreams.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Biosphere 2 is a 3.14 acre closed ecosystem designed to replicate Earth's environment, featuring a rainforest, ocean, and desert.
• 🚀 The primary goal of Biosphere 2 was to serve as a prototype for space colonization, testing the feasibility of sustaining human life in a closed system.
• 🧑‍🔬 In 1991, eight researchers lived inside Biosphere 2 for two years to study the system's viability for long-term habitation.
• 🌐 The experiment faced challenges, including a drop in oxygen levels that required external oxygen supplementation, leading to public scrutiny.
• 🌱 Despite initial setbacks, Biosphere 2 continues to operate under the University of Arizona, hosting various ecological research projects.
• 🎓 The video also celebrates Seeker's Day, an annual tradition by Yes Theory, and introduces a special discount on their merchandise.
• 🎉 The video features Symphony, a high school graduate from East LA, who overcame significant adversity, including homelessness, to pursue her dreams.
• 💪 Symphony's story of resilience and determination serves as an inspiration, highlighting the power of a positive community and personal drive.
• 🌟 Yes Theory honors Symphony with a special gift and announces the Seek Discomfort Scholars Program, offering a $10,000 scholarship to support her education.
• 🌈 The video concludes with a reflection on the impact of Yes Theory's community, including donations and support for various social causes.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Biosphere 2?

The main purpose of Biosphere 2 was initially to create a prototype for colonizing space.

What does Biosphere 2 consist of?

Biosphere 2 is a 3.14-acre closed ecosystem that includes its own rainforest, ocean, and 'lungs'.

How long did the initial researchers live inside Biosphere 2?

Eight researchers committed two years of their lives living inside Biosphere 2.

Why is Biosphere 2 located in the Arizona desert?

The script does not explicitly state why Biosphere 2 is located in the Arizona desert, but it is likely due to the unique environmental conditions suitable for such an experiment.

What happened to the oxygen levels during the initial experiment in Biosphere 2?

The oxygen levels inside Biosphere 2 plummeted after about 500 days, and the researchers had to pump oxygen into the system.

What was the reason behind the oxygen level drop in Biosphere 2?

The oxygen level drop was due to two reasons: the soil brought in had a lot of active microbes that consumed oxygen, and the concrete used in the construction did not cure for a long enough time, leading to a chemical reaction that used up oxygen.

Who owns Biosphere 2 currently?

Biosphere 2 is currently owned by the University of Arizona.

What is the significance of 'Seeker's Day' mentioned in the script?

Seeker's Day is an annual tradition launched by Yes Theory to celebrate the start of their journey and to offer discounts on their merchandise.

What is the 'Seek Discomfort Scholars Program' mentioned in the script?

The 'Seek Discomfort Scholars Program' is a new initiative by Yes Theory to provide scholarships to individuals like Symphony, who have demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

How did Symphony's upbringing influence her perspective on life?

Symphony's tough upbringing, including periods of homelessness, has influenced her perspective on life, making her resilient and inspiring her to create art and poetry from her experiences.

What was the special gift Yes Theory organized for Symphony?

Yes Theory organized a special gift for Symphony, which included art supplies from Blick Art Materials, a scholarship of ten thousand dollars for the next four years, and the launch of the 'Seek Discomfort Scholars Program'.