TheSpringInstitute

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 Terrascape.
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 Terrascape, 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?  

Terrascape isn't just a research tool; it's also an educational resource designed to inspire curiosity about Earth's interconnected systems. By engaging with Terrascape, you'll learn how we can maintain and preserve our planet's ecosystems, with an eye toward supporting life beyond Earth.  

 

HOW IT WORKS

  • TERRASCAPE KIT

    Assemble the Terrascape DIY kit at home, wherever you are in the world, we’ll ship it to you.

  • LIVE DATA

    Connect to our Terrascape ’ground station’, so that we can collect all the data coming in, and display updates in real time.

  • COMMUNITY

    Get access to our Terrascape community: speak with others and get updates directly from the Terrascape team.

  • SELF SUSTAINED

    Kick back, enjoy your self-sustained Terrascape Terrarium, and watch your contribution to science being made.

                                         WHAT IT INCLUDES

Terrascape 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?

  • 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.

  • Students (Ages 12+)

    Terrascape 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.

  • Educators and Schools

    Terrascape is an excellent classroom resource for demonstrating concepts in biology, ecology, and environmental science. It will also foster curiosity and promote interactive learning.

  • People

    For anyone who wants to contribute to science and enjoy a maintenance free garden on their desk!

The Terrascape Team

Meet the team

  • Patrick Grubbs Science Lead
  • Nico Delad Productization Lead

Retired Team Members

  • Victor Motti
  • Julien Gernigon
  • Léa Delot
  • Victor Friess
  • Mathieu Riaux

Sign up to our interest list and get invited to our Kickstarter launch.