In the Arizona desert stands one of the most interesting experiments of the 20th century: Biosphere 2.

In 1991, eight people sealed themselves inside this massive glass structure to see if humans could survive inside a completely closed, self-sustaining version of Earth. The project was designed as a prototype for space colonization and a possible lifeboat for humanity if Earth ever became unlivable.

Inside Biosphere 2 were seven fully constructed biomes, including a rainforest, ocean with a coral reef, desert, savannah, wetlands, and a large agricultural system meant to feed the crew. What followed over the next two years revealed just how complex, fragile, and unpredictable Earth’s systems really are.

In this video, we explore Biosphere 2 and the story behind the experiment, from food shortages and falling oxygen levels to ecological breakdowns and growing tension among the crew.

I had no idea that Steve Bannon, Trump’s 2016 scheming court eunuch, was the CEO of Biosphere 2. What the fuck.