This game seems based on the movie Andromeda , or at least a similar scenario as the story.
The movie is based of a novel by Michael Crichton, which I think you should read, but I guess you have probably already read it, why else attract to this genre?
The movie and TV-series are worth a watch too. Did you know there is a sequel of the novel, called "The Andomeda Evolution"?
https://theforgottenfiction.com/the-andromeda-evolution-crichton-s-andromeda-str...
I wonder if you could add "penalties" in the form of alcaline substances to the game, slowing it down a bit? Making it a challenge to put the exact balance of alcaline and acidity or the would die and cause game over?