Two Long-time Space Certification Corporate Member Partners Highlighted

By Rebecca Williams, Space Awareness Program Coordinator

As the 31st Space Symposium quickly approaches, I would like to highlight two of our Space Certification Corporate Member Partners whose technology has been inducted into the prestigious Space Technology Hall of Fame®. The Space Technology Hall of Fame® comprises many extraordinary innovations - all derived from, or significantly improved by, space research or exploration.

Partners who make a 10-year commitment to participate in the Space Certification Program receive special recognition as Space Foundation Certified Corporate Member Partners.

Eagle Eyes Optic
In 2006, Eagle Eyes Optics became a Certified Corporate Member Partner with the Space Foundation, as well as holding an exclusivity agreement for UVR and Blue Blocking Protective Lens Technology. Companies that have an exclusivity agreement with the Space Foundation are recognized as the sole company that has the distinction of being Space Certified by the Space Foundation.

In 2010, Eagle Eyes Optics and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory were inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. The origin of Eagle Eyes began at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) where scientists developed ground-breaking technology that would protect human eyesight from the harmful effects of solar radiation light.

NASA researchers first looked to nature for a solution. They learned that the eyes of birds of prey contain oil droplets that filter out harmful radiation and permit only specific wavelengths of light to enter, giving them extreme visual acuity even at great distances.

An advanced formula replicating this natural system was successfully applied to the first transparent welding curtain to filter out harmful light and protect human eyesight in hazardous environments. The new technology was soon applied to sunglasses and introduced to the public under the Sun Tiger name, known today as Eagle Eyes Optics.

Eagle Eyes Optics absorb 99+ percent of all photo wavelengths considered hazardous to human eye tissue - including UVA, UVB and blue-light. Studies show that this range is the most beneficial to the human eye for protection and increased visual perception, contrast and reduced chromatic aberration. Eagle Eyes products are recognized around the world for their protective and vision-enhancing capabilities and are an excellent example of how space technology benefits life on Earth.

Water Security Corporation
In 2005, Water Security Corporation (WSC) became a Certified Corporate Member Partner with the Space Foundation, as well as holding an exclusivity agreement for the Microbial Check Valve ("MCV") Iodinated Resin, "UniBed", and Iodosorb® technologies. Companies who have an exclusivity agreement with the Space Foundation are recognized as the sole company that has the distinction of being Space Certified by the Space Foundation.

When NASA needed advanced water purification for the Shuttle Orbiter they turned to Umpqua Research Corporation. The resulting Microbial Check Valve, or MCV® system, treated Shuttle water sources with a patented iodinated resin system providing both contact microbial kill and residual iodine to supply astronauts with safe drinking water.

Looking to the International Space Station and long-duration space flights, Umpqua surpassed the original technology with the MCV® Biocide Delivery Unit. This long-term, slow release iodine-based disinfection system is now in use aboard the ISS. WSC now applies MCV® technology to eliminate bacteria and viruses in contaminated water here on Earth.

A patented ion exchange resin feature - Iodosorb® - has been added to remove virtually all residual iodine from the treated water, making iodine-based disinfection a practical solution for a range of commercial and consumer markets. Working with humanitarian and other organizations, WSC is providing these systems to developing countries where drinking water is a major health concern. Recipients include earthquake refugees in Pakistan, Kurdish villagers in northern Iraq and the people of rural Sabana San Juan, Dominican Republic. Over 1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and over 10 million die each year of water borne diseases. Today MCV® space technology is helping provide safe drinking water the people who need it most right here on Earth.

Learn more about Space Certification here, and about the Space Technology Hall of Fame here.

The 2015 Space Technology Hall of Fame Dinner will be held April 16, during the 31st Space Symposium at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA. Co-sponsored by SpaceX, the dinner will feature guest speaker Mark McCaughrean, Ph.D., Senior Scientific Advisor in the Directorate of Science and Robotic Exploration for the European Space Agency (ESA). See who the 2015 inductees will be here. Buy dinner tickets now.

This article is part of Space Watch: March 2015 (Volume: 14, Issue: 3).