In the early-1980s, Martin Marietta began investigating the potential benefits that algae might bring to long-term space flight, having been contracted by NASA under the Closed Environment Life Support System (CELSS) program.
[4] Martek research identified the microalgae Crypthecodinium cohnii, which produces high levels of DHA, and the soil fungus Mortierella alpina that yields ARA, both being important human nutrients.
In fact, it received around 40 SBIR grants in its early years, constituting the firm's primary source of funds for Research & Development.
[7] As of 2007 and 2009, supplements for infant formula accounted for 91% of the company's sales,[8][5] bringing one commentator to note the firm was a "pure play" investment target.
[5][10] As of 2005, the company typically marked its own DHA, but contracted out for the manufacture of ARA, which requires supplemental fermentation of the source fungus.