Fuel cell cartridges and fuel cell systems are an emerging energy technology developed to provide a more efficient, longer-lasting and renewable power source for electrically operated equipment. This final rule prescribes regulations for transporting fuel cells containing liquids, including methanol and formic acid, which meet certain performance and consumer use standards. PHMSA issued this final rule in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The effective date of these amendments is October 1, 2008, and voluntary compliance is authorized as of May 30, 2008.

Micro fuel cells are expected to power portable electronic devices such as notebook computers and mobile phones. Disposable fuel cartridges provide the fuel for these fuel cells which could power a notebook computer for up to 10 hours, and a mobile phone for up to three weeks. DMFCC is a leader in the liquid fuel cell cartridge design, manufacturing and distribution business. The fuel cartridges are disposable like AA batteries and represent a recurring revenue stream for DMFCC. In contrast to batteries, cartridges are made of recyclable materials.

VIASPACE and DMFCC CEO, Dr. Carl Kukkonen, states, "Major electronics OEMs are pursuing methanol fuel cells for their electronic devices, and fuel cell powered notebook computers have been demonstrated by companies such as Samsung and Toshiba. These companies are developing their own fuel cells. DMFCC has developed the disposable fuel cartridges that consumers would purchase in the aftermarket to power these devices. This ruling by the Department of Transportation now allows passengers to bring fuel cell powered electronic devices and spare fuel cell cartridges on board commercial aircraft in their hand checked baggage."

In a separate press release, VIASPACE recently announced the successful collaboration of DMFCC and its manufacturing partner, the SATO Group, in delivering sample methanol fuel cell cartridges and valves to Samsung SDI. DMFCC used its expertise in cartridge design and safety qualification, and the SATO Group manufactured the cartridges and valves that were successfully integrated with Samsung SDI fuel cells in a portable electronics application.

DMFCC and SATO Group are positioning themselves to capture a significant portion of the estimated multibillion-dollar fuel cell cartridge market that has now been approved by this final rule from Department of Transportation.

About VIASPACE: Originally founded in 1998 with the objective of transforming proven space and defense technologies from NASA and the Department of Defense into hardware and software solutions that solve today's complex problems, VIASPACE benefits from important patent and software licenses from Caltech, which manages NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.VIASPACE.com, or contact for Investor Relations, Dr. Jan Vandersande, Director of Communications at 800-517-8050, or IR@VIASPACE.com.