DigitalBlast Acquires Patent for Cultivation System and Method of Small Life Science Experiment Device “AMAZ”

December 1, 2022

DigitalBlast Corporation, which supports the revitalization of the space industry and the creation of new businesses in the space sector (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Shingo Horiguchi, hereinafter referred to as DigitalBlast), announces that it has obtained a patent (Patent No. 7164910) for the cultivation system and method of the small life science experiment device “AMAZ”.

 

Purpose and Background of Patent Acquisition

In recent years, manned space exploration, including the Artemis program, has been gaining momentum, and there is a growing awareness of the challenges associated with securing food and cultivating plants in space environments. While it has become clear that the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS) and similar settings significantly affect plant growth, the impact of low-gravity environments, such as those on the Moon or Mars, on plant cultivation is not yet fully understood. In light of this, DigitalBlast has launched the NOAH project, aimed at constructing an ecological circulation maintenance system on the lunar surface. The small life science experiment device AMAZ, which is positioned as the first step of this project, is aimed at installation and operation on the ISS in 2024, and ground experiments are currently underway.

This invention is a unique technology of DigitalBlast that creates an artificial gravity environment within the ISS by rotating two of the three experimental compartments of AMAZ at different angular velocities, allowing for the cultivation of plants under that artificial gravity.

With this technology, in addition to the microgravity environment, it is possible to create various artificial gravity environments by changing the rotation speed, including one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, similar to the lunar surface, and to simultaneously compare experiments in three different gravity environments. Through cultivation and culture under diverse gravity conditions, it is possible to obtain fundamental data on the biological response to gravity.

Compact life science experimental device “AMAZ” in motion

 

Additionally, the design and construction of the device within the ISS’s microgravity and limited space environment have been made with usability in mind to facilitate astronauts’ work. The sample containers can be attached with one hand. The base is designed to be attached anywhere on the cylindrical part of the device, allowing it to be installed at an angle that is easy to work with inside the ISS.

 

Attaching the sample container to the small life science experiment device AMAZ

 

Summary of the Patent

 

About the Small Life Science Experiment Device AMAZ

AMAZ is a device that marks the first step in the NOAH project, aimed at constructing an ecological circulation maintenance system on the lunar surface in anticipation of human lunar exploration. The device being developed will be provided as an experimental environment for corporations and research institutions.

The primary purpose of this device is to study plant physiology in space environments and under lunar gravity. By rotating a part of the device, centrifugal force is used to replicate one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, the same as the lunar surface. The gravity generated can replicate various gravity environments by changing the rotation speed, in addition to one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, allowing for simultaneous comparison. Through cultivation and culture under diverse gravity conditions, fundamental data on the biological response to gravity can be obtained.

A prototype has already been completed, and ground experiments are underway, with the installation and operation of this device on the ISS targeted for 2024. Currently, space experiments with this device are planned for moss cultivation and beer yeast culture.

 

About DigitalBlast, Inc.

DigitalBlast is on a mission to redefine the value of space with its motto, “Make Space Valuable.” To enhance the worth of Japan’s space sector, it’s crucial to develop a variety of revenue streams that extend beyond BtoG (business-to-government) transactions. Boasting a diverse team skilled in business strategy, digital technology, and promotion, we take pride in our comprehensive solutions. Our goal is to expand our clients’ revenue options and forge new value within the space industry.

Company Name: DigitalBlast Inc.
Office: Jinbocho mitsui building 19F,1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0051, Japan
Representative: Shingo Horiguchi (CEO)
Established: December 2018
Website: https://digitalblast.co.jp/

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