Sub-Arctic Biodome: Prototype for Space Settlement?

The Earth Organisation for Sustainability (EOS) is building a geodesic biodome near the edge of the Arctic Circle, with the goal of self-sufficient food production. EOS has received an European Union grant of 34,000 €  delivered by URnära, for construction materials and initial wages, and is working with Green Free Will.

Galileo Ground Station, Esrange Space Centre, Kiruna, Sweden

The EOS is developing both technology and social systems for self-sufficent communities of the future. So the Biodome can provide lessons for developing space settlements, such as on Mars. Umeå is in Northern Sweden, just a few hundred kilometres from the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna. Though Umeå is not as far north as the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station near Resolute, Canada, sunlight is in short supply much of the year, and temperatures can get as cold as -38C (-36 F).

Miniature model of Biodome frame

The Biodome will simulate an entire eco-system, with an artificial river floor filled with small aquatic animals (for aquaponics), and a plant bed where vegetables, fruits and beans will be grown. A computerised regulation system will adjust climate conditions, atmosphere, bacteria levels, nitrate levels and water levels, to maintain a dynamic equilibrium.

EOS is also exploring new social and economic systems to further enhance the sustainability of future communities. Energy accounting is being developed to ensure equitable, durable utilisation of resources, while a somewhat libertarian “holonic” system of governance helps to maximise the freedom of inhabitants. Working with extremely limited resources (at least initially) while maximising individual freedom will certainly be a significant challenge for space settlements.

Mars Desert Research Station with greenhouse

This begs the question of further opportunities for synergy between space settlement and sustainability activists. Both communities are working towards developing small-scale self-sufficient prototype communities on Earth. They may look a lot different, but share a great deal in their aims.

EOS blog post on Biodome: http://eoshorizon.wordpress.com/2014/01/24/the-biodome-project-2014/

Project website (updated): https://enggreenfreewill.wordpress.com/geodesic-dome/gallery/