TEL AVIV, Israel — A team of researchers is launching a bio-medical experiment on NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis to test a new water purification technology under zero gravity in space, according to a press release.

Developed by Straus Water, the polymer-based technology was designed to remove bacteria and viruses from water, the release stated.

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, according to the release.

“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,” said Haim Wilder, vice president of R&D at Strauss Water. “A successful experiment will constitute an important milestone.”

To read the full press release, click here.