Page "Biosphere 2" Paragraph 6

Biosphere 2 had two closure experiments, Missions 1 and 2, during which the structure was sealed with researchers living inside.

The first, with a crew of eight people, ran for two years from 1991 to 1993.

Following a six month transition period during which researchers entered the facility through airlock doors and conducted research and system engineering improvements, a second closure with a crew of seven people was conducted March 1994 – September 1994.

In the course of that second mission, a dispute over management of the financial aspects of the project caused the on-site management to be locked out, and the mission itself to be ended prematurely.

The sealed nature of the structure allowed scientists to monitor the continually changing chemistry of the air, water and soil contained within.

Health of the human crew was monitored by a medical doctor inside and an outside medical team.