The Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies in Israel and Strauss Water of the Strauss Group, Will Launch Today a Bio-Medical Experiment to Space on the Last Board NASA's Space Shuttle, Atlantis

Their Mission Will be to Test a New Water Purification Technology Under Zero Gravity in Space

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Jul 08, 2011, 09:00 ET

TEL AVIV, July 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

The Israeli research team, headed by Dr. Eran Schenker from the Fisher Institute, in collaboration with Haim Wilder, V.P. R&D of Strauss Water and Prof. Eyal Shimoni, Chief Scientist of Strauss Group, will test a new water purification technology under zero gravity in space. Developed by Strauss Water, this is a polymer-based bio-medical technology designed to purify drinking water by effectively removing bacteria and viruses.
The data accumulated from the research in space will also have implications for purifying water on earth, as it has direct bearing on the field of drinking water purification in its broader context.
This experiment may be of important for the space industry as well, which is looking to improve the quality of water provided to astronauts on long missions.
The experiment is made possible via the commercial contract with NanoRacks, LLC, under its Space Act Agreement with NASA.

Haim Wilder , V.P. R&D at Strauss Water, said today: "This experiment coincides with the continuous effort of Strauss Water to develop new technologies and materials which will facilitate effective removal of bacteria and viruses under extreme conditions. A successful experiment will constitute an important milestone."

Rami Ronen , CEO of Strauss Water, said today: "As Strauss Water's technology targets diverse markets in the world, it can provide solutions to both developed and developing countries, while contending with various water qualities. Israel, a long-time world leader in sprinklers and irrigation systems, is now conducting a breakthrough in original drinking water purification technologies."

Ofra Strauss,Chairperson of Strauss Group, said: "This is another step by Strauss Group which aims to improve the quality of life of people by providing them with safe, quality drinking water."

Dr. Eran Schenker, Head of the Aerospace Medicine Research Center at the Fisher Institute, explains that "Purifying water from bacteria and viruses is a critical process in water-scarce regions around the world, and it is therefore important to expand our knowledge in this field."

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Asaf Agmon, Head of the Fisher Institute, attaches great importance to Israel's participation in experiments conducted in space, adding that "Israel is uniquely positioned to take part in advanced experiments on the space shuttle, and we are excited about the fact that our experiments are launched on the last flight in the shuttle era."

The Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies was founded by the Israel Air Force Association with an aim to develop aviation and aerospace thinking and public discourse in Israel . The Institute's activities include research and publication of articles and position papers. The institute is primarily known for its annual international space conference held in memory of Ilan Ramon and his team, which is conducted under the auspices of the Institute, Ministry of Science, and Israel's Space Agency. The Fisher Institute is chaired by Major-General (Ret.) Herzle Bodinger and headed by Brigadier-General (Res.) Asaf Agmon.

The Aerospace Medicine Research Center at The Fisher Institute fosters ties with space agencies around the world and corresponding research institutes. Institute people collaborate with leading researchers in academic institutions nationwide. The Aerospace Medicine Research Center is headed by Dr. Eran Schenker, an aviation physician trained by NASA as an aerospace physician. Since the Nineties he has served as chief researcher of Israel's medical and biological experiments on NASA's space shuttles.

Jeffrey Manberis regarded as one of the pioneering commercial space project entrepreneurs for more than 20 years. He brought together, connected and pioneered the joint activity of the American and Russian space industries, was the first to develop space tourism on the Soviet space station Mir, and provided aerospace consulting to U.S. Presidents Reagan, Clinton and Obama. Currently, he is the Managing Director for NanoRacks, a group promoting international civil, commercial and private space activity.

Strauss Water is a global company that provides advanced drinking water solutions to customers in various parts of the world. The company engages in the development, production and marketing of drinking water purification, filtering, heating and cooling systems. Strauss Water started fulfilling its global vision with the launch of its company product in Britain in 2010 and the launch of the WaterMaker product line in China in collaboration with Haier in 2011.

Strauss Group, Israel's second-largest food & beverage company, traded on the Tel Aviv 25 Index. Strauss Group is an international corporation operating twenty-five production sites in twenty-one countries around the world. Identified the drinking water field as a strategic opportunity that coincides with the Group's Mission. Since 2007, the Group has invested in a water purification technology venture, completing the development of 10 pending patents in water purification and treatment.

Media Contacts:

The Fisher Institute
Shlomit Lerner Cohen
Nissan Balaban
+972-3-6475268
[email protected]

Strauss Group
Mirit Cohen
Director of External Communications
+972-3-6752462
[email protected]