Space Technology Hall of Fame 2017 Inducts New Technologies

The 33rd Space Symposium, sponsored by the Space Foundation, culminated in an induction ceremony into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. The Space Technology Hall of Fame is an important public awareness program of the Space Foundation, showcasing cutting-edge, NASA-adapted technologies further developed by commercial entities to improve the quality of life for humanity. Over the last 30 years, 75 technologies have been inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. The 2017 honorees are ActivePure Technology, commercialized and advanced by Aerus LLC, the Healthy Home leader and  Florikan's Staged Nutrient Release (SNR) Fertilizer, currently owned and marketed by the J.R. Simplot Company.

ActivePure Technology began as ActivePure Radiant Catalytic Ionization (RCI) Technology and was initially developed by NASA scientists to eliminate ethylene gas onboard the International Space Station. Since its inception, it has been adapted and enhanced by Aerus via its Beyond by Aerus family of products. ActivePure Technology is engineered to eliminate contaminants in the air and on surfaces and is currently used in homes, offices, hospitals, daycares, hotels and professional sports facilities. It is proven to destroy airborne and surface viruses, mold, fungus, volatile organic compounds, and bacteria such as MRSA, E-coli and Staph.

From state-of-the-art floor care systems to air and water purification systems and beyond, Aerus has created clean, safe and healthy indoor environments for over 50 million businesses and homes worldwide. Those who suffer from asthma or allergies, new parents or caregivers, pet lovers or anyone devoted to living a healthier life can benefit from the cleansing and purifying components of ActivePure Technology.

"We are very fortunate to live in a time when space-age technology and innovation have such remarkable implications for us here on Earth. Since ActivePure Technology was first deployed on the space shuttle Columbia and in subsequent successful applications aboard the International Space Station, we have been able to offer ActivePure Technology in a variety of products by Aerus, activTek, Vollara and Beyond by Aerus to improve people’s lives," said Joe Urso, Aerus LLC CEO, who along with Andy Eide, Aerus LLC Vice President, Product Development and Manufacturing, were individually inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame, "the induction into the Space Technology Hall of Fame is a great honor and is a culmination of years of research and testing to bring this product to the people who need it the most."

Florikan's Staged Nutrient Release (SNR) Fertilizer was first introduced in 2003 after a process was developed to mix the Florikan fertilizer into a water solution for easier application. Three polymers were developed to coat three components of the fertilizer, proving successful for the growers. It allowed growers to more accurately apply and use less fertilizer due to the staged release keeping the nutrients in the soil longer. This resulted in increased crop yields and significantly less environmental damage from excess fertilizer leaching into groundwater.

In 2006, after Florikan engaged in the NASA-funded Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP), a new patented technology emerged. This process ensured Florikan could coat all three fertilizer components with the same material: a single polyurethane material previously used in NASA projects. This new staged release fertilizer with a single coating ensured Florikan's commercial success. The rights to Florikan's technology were purchased in 2012 by the J.R. Simplot Company. With Simplot's worldwide distribution channel, more growers gained access to the product and its benefits.

Thanks to years of innovation, these two technologies are bringing space-age science down to Earth for the benefit if all of humanity.