2021.4.19, Episode 3 of the Study Session 3

(a series article about the discussion of the study session) this article was translated by google translation.)

　The third lecturer at the 3rd study session is Mr. Sato of Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS).

The Comfortable Space with air purification by the photocatalyst
JAMSS was founded in 1990 and has a history of more than 30 years. It has 228 employees (as of April 2021) and mainly supports to operation and use of the Japanese experimental module "Kibo" at the International Space Station 24 hours a day. However, Mr Sato calls his work a "venture." He started the lecture, saying, "The International Space Station does not exist forever. We have to make something with a venture spirit for the future."
The ISS is said to be the size of a soccer field, but people live at only a part of the area. Even so, it feels wider than it looks because people can use four sides of walls without gravity. For astronauts, it's the same as home, so of course there is a toilet, and "cleaning the toilet is a daunting task for astronauts, as it could get clogged." Also, when the spacecraft arrives, it is said that it is hard to clean up so that the luggage will overflow and you will not lose track of where you stored the samples and experimental equipment.
Astronauts have a fixed exercise time every day. If it is neglected, it will become a problem after returning to the earth. In addition, animal experiments are being conducted on the ISS, and it is not possible to ventilate exercise and odours generated by animals. Some people don't care about the smell of the ISS, but Mr Sato thinks that when space travel begins, a more comfortable environment will be needed for those who have paid for the trip. JAMSS is currently working on an air purification service that uses a photocatalyst in such a space station. Photocatalyst air purification purifies the air by shining light on the photocatalyst, but since this photocatalyst is the technology that was born in Japan, it says that it "maintains an advantage over overseas." And Mr Sato himself wants to do his business not only in Japan but also overseas, where space travellers are expected to come out first.

Idea of JAMSS
Mr Sato is considering decentralized air purification that removes volatile gases in space before they are released in the cabin. In fact, in space, many systems such as air component control and CO2 removal are centralized. On the other hand, he plans that it can be used for deodorizing in the astronaut's room and also for antibacterial/viruses, imagining the operation of putting portable air purifiers in various places in the room. It can also remove ethylene gas in a rack in a plant factory and can be used as a means of removing alcohol after washing with alcohol. And he thinks it can also be used to deodorize space toilets.
By the way, the photocatalyst itself is used in various places other than air purification. For example, in a fuel cell, hydrogen is generated by shining light on it, so it has a power generation function, and conversely, hydrogen can be produced here, so it is also used for material production. It can purify not only air but also water. Therefore, JAMSS also plans to start with air purification and expand its services while accumulating technology and know-how. Eventually, they want to develop fuel production on the moon.
　Mr Sato especially emphasized that he devised a way to get power from USB. He emphasized, "The problem after going to space is where to get the power. If you use USB, you can charge / power with a computer!"
　From the participants, how much is this? What else can it be used for? Various questions were raised. Most of the price is the launch cost, Mr Sato replied. The device itself is almost handmade. "Is it used for clothes because you can't wash it in the space? If so, using it in areas where water is precious is SDGs!" someone said. It is well known that this technology is used for clothes. Antibacterial materials that make use of JAXA's experience are handled by several manufacturers. An analyst who was in charge of the food industry before said, "Looking at food manufacturers that have been making space food for a long time, ' Is it okay to bring something with such a strong smell? ' I often wondered..." with a bitter smile

A better policy for the private sector growing!
Mr Sato is proud that JAMSS is the first Japanese company on the ISS to provide commercial services using its own equipment. Of course, it is not about operational support service. JAMSS is providing a device called "Kirara", a high-quality protein crystal service, to European modules conducting experiments on the ISS. This is because the Belgian company with which JAMSS has a contract provides a place to install experimental equipment for protein crystal production.
In fact, Mr Sato analyses that it is difficult for venture companies to grow in Japan, even though they have internationally superior technologies. In space development, NASA not only outsources operations to private companies but also purchases corporate services normally ... From the perspective of companies, instead of trying to "contract from the government", NASA is a customer. That is the reason why ventures grow, it is said. They can develop and propose services under their decisions. This is the same for the European Space Agency ESA. After all, it was originally a national budget and may look the same at first glance. However, if a specific company develops technology under a public contract, or if a private company conducts its own business, and provides its service or produces to the government as a customer, the independence and activity as a business are completely different. Even if the contracted company meets the contract conditions, it may not be possible to start a new business based on the technology because it does not match the income and expenditure, or it may choose a method that is not suitable for commercialisation in the first place. If the initiative is on the company side, if there are conditions that can not be excluded in order to start a business, they can take them. (If they can't, just they won't propose to NASA)
Fortunately, however, NASA and ESA seem to accept more than private companies of their own nationality. Some Japanese venture companies have already provided their service to NASA. This means that NASA and ESA budgets can be included in the assumed future market size of companies engaged in space development in Japan.

Importance of national strategy
In order for a business that involves innovation, requires a large amount of investment, and whose success or failure depends on policies, etc., to attract investment money, the key is whether or not a national strategy and some kind of commitment. A national strategy that gives incentives to the industry is also required. It is also the role of the nation to develop the market accordingly. This is also reflected in the example of Japan turning to a hydrogen society, which was a story of the distant future until very recently, in a short period of time. One of the participants was relieved that the budget was increasing, at least much less than in US, and asked whether the government would consider the financial industry's involvement. As Mr Sato expects, as space travel will be established as a new market in the future, it is expected that travel insurance and payment services will also be required. However, even Professor Kimura, who is also a member of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's committee, has not yet grasped such a move. On July 20, the first private space trip in the United States took place. Perhaps it is already discussed in US? In Japan as well, stronger initiatives may be urgently needed for corporate growth and future economic development.