DigitalBlast entrusts Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with the design for the development and manufacturing of the flight model of the small life science experiment device AMAZ. This accelerates the development and manufacturing of the space experiment device aimed for installation and operation on the ISS in 2024.

November 24, 2022

DigitalBlast Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda, Tokyo, CEO: Shingo Horiguchi, hereinafter referred to as DigitalBlast), which supports the revitalization of the space industry and the creation of new businesses in the space sector, has announced that it has decided to entrust Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) with the design for the development and manufacturing of the flight model (1) of the small life science experiment device AMAZ.

*1: Refers to the model that is actually launched into space.

In recent years, manned space exploration, including the Artemis program, has been gaining momentum, and there is a growing awareness of the challenges of securing food and cultivating plants in space environments. While it has become clear that the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS) and others has a significant impact on plant cultivation, the effects of low-gravity environments such as the moon and Mars on plant cultivation are not yet fully understood. In light of this situation, 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 marks the first step of this project, is advancing ground experiments with the goal of installation and operation on the ISS in 2024.

This time, DigitalBlast has decided to entrust Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with the design of the small life science experiment device AMAZ, utilizing the company’s technology and expertise in aviation and space development to realize the construction of a space experiment platform for the installation and operation of the device on the ISS in 2024. First, the conceptual design and preliminary design for the development and manufacturing of the flight model of AMAZ will be entrusted to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

By making the most of the technology and expertise of both companies, we hope to contribute to the further development of the space business by providing research institutions with experimental environments for cultivation and culture in microgravity environments and providing private companies developing space-related products with experimental results.

 

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.

 

The sample container to the small life science experiment device AMAZ

 

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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