Under contract to NASA, Umpqua Research developed the Microbial Check Valve (MCV) iodine-dispensing system for the Space Shuttle Orbiter, introduced in 1979 to purify astronauts' drinking water. In 1989, NASA awarded the company a new contract to develop a system for continuous iodine release over long periods for use in the International Space Station. In 1993, the company demonstrated the Regenerable Biocide Delivery Unit, and NASA granted it an exclusive license.
