TICTACS KIT
Assemble the TICTACS DIY kit at home, wherever you are in the world, we’ll ship it to you.
TICTACS Citizen Science Project
JOIN OUR ECOSYSTEM EXPERIMENT
Our multi-planetary future is around the corner!
While we have made big leaps forward in the last few years, there’s still plenty of research and development needed before we can call the moon our new home. A critical focus is creating a sustainable living environment for humans, likely resembling a giant terrarium.
To make this happen, extensive research trials would be needed, with decades of observation needed for each experiment.
That’s why we created TICTACS.
It's a citizen science project that advances research on closed ecosystems by sharing the cost and effort of maintaining multiple ecosystems worldwide over an extended period. Our unique terrarium includes a sensor kit to gather crucial data for the experiment.
THE RESEARCH PROJECT
Ecology, especially in the context of space, is still a new field with many unknowns.
With TICTACS, we'll be exploring critical questions like:
- How can we create a self-sustaining ecosystem that lasts indefinitely?
- What indicators signal a system's impending collapse?
- What defines a "healthy" ecosystem, and how can we measure it?
- Does biodiversity truly enhance ecosystem stability and longevity?
- Can we intentionally shift ecosystems to alternate stable states?
TICTACS isn't just a research tool; it's also an educational resource designed to inspire curiosity about Earth's interconnected systems. By engaging with TICTACS, you'll learn how we can maintain and preserve our planet's ecosystems, with an eye toward supporting life beyond Earth.
HOW IT WORKS
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LIVE DATA
Connect to our TICTACS ’ground station’, so that we can collect all the data coming in, and display updates in real time.
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COMMUNITY
Get access to our TICTACS community: speak with others and get updates directly from the TICTACS team.
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SELF SUSTAINED
Kick back, enjoy your self-sustained TICTACS Terrarium, and watch your contribution to science being made.
WHAT IT INCLUDES
TICTACS is a DIY kit that can be assembled using supplies found at home.*
The kit includes laser cut wood and acrylic pieces that are easily put together into a 30x10x10cm rectangular prism. When assembled, it should form a nearly closed box with transparent sides.
In addition to the structural kit, a pre-assembled electronic circuitry is also included. This spans:
- LED light
- Fan to combat condensation
- CO2 / trace volatiles sensor
- Pressure
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Light quantity sensor
- LCD screen with data readouts
- An accompanying phone app to sync telemetry to an online database
*Hot glue and wood glue are not included in the kit.
WHO IS IT FOR?
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Hobbyists
Our closed ecosystems and sensor kits are one-of-a-kind. Unearth the hidden data in terrariums and discover new ways of understanding closed ecosystems.
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Students (Ages 12+)
TICTACS provides a hands-on learning experience about ecological principles, sustainability, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. It's a practical tool for young scientists to observe and learn about life processes in a controlled environment.
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Educators and Schools
TICTACS is an excellent classroom resource for demonstrating concepts in biology, ecology, and environmental science. It will also foster curiosity and promote interactive learning.
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People
For anyone who wants to contribute to science and enjoy a maintenance free garden on their desk!
The TICTACS Team
Meet the team
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Patrick Grubbs Science Lead
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Nico Delad Productization Lead
Retired Team Members
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Victor Motti
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Julien Gernigon
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Léa Delot
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Victor Friess
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Mathieu Riaux