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ASTROTECH'S 1ST DETECT ANNOUNCES ITS SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF THE iONTRAC AT THE GULF COAST CONFERENCE

Austin, TX (November 12, 2014) - 

1st Detect, a subsidiary of Astrotech (NASDAQ:ASTC), has launched its disruptive mass spectrometry technology into the petrochemical industry at the esteemed Gulf Coast Conference (GCC). The iONTRAC process monitor has been developed for use within petrochemical industrial processing streams.

 

Our goal is to position our sensor technology in processing plants and manufacturing lines where process control and quality assurance is crucial. We have identified and are marketing our Process Analytical Chemistry / Process Analytical Technology (PAC/PAT) solutions to food and beverage, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and semiconductor manufacturing customers. We are leveraging our groundbreaking mass spectrometry technology to provide unique solutions for the PAC/PAT needs of multiple customers.

 

Our versatile sensor has a flexible form factor which can be adapted to each environment. The factory models are intended to communicate with all standard Factory Management Software (FMS) packages for easy implementation across multiple markets and also be retrofitted to improve the monitoring capability of legacy systems. The core technology is fast, highly sensitive, accurate, and highly customizable, allowing it to be used as the analytical engine in a variety of economically priced solutions. For sensitive applications under harsh conditions, ruggedized enclosures can be used including NEMA 4X and ATEX / Class I Div II.

 

“Our iONTRAC was very well received at GCC and being recognized to receive bronze in the New Product Showcase,” said Thomas B. Pickens III, Chairman and CEO of Astrotech. “We believe our factory floor initiative is an excellent market to pursue and with the introduction of our iONTRAC, we are well on our way to meet that market demand.”

 

1st Detect Corporation has developed an instrument that revolutionizes the chemical detection and analysis market by delivering laboratory performance mass spectrometry in a small, affordable and portable package. The 1st Detect mass spectrometer is capable of detecting a wide variety of chemicals including residues and vapors from explosives, chemical warfare agents, toxic chemicals, food and beverage contaminants, and pollutants. These capabilities make it an ideal tool for a variety of applications in the research, security, industrial, process flow and healthcare markets.

 

About 1st Detect Corporation


1st Detect Corporation was formed by Astrotech Corporation (Nasdaq:ASTC) to develop and commercialize miniature mass spectrometry technology first developed under an agreement with NASA for use on the International Space Station. 1st Detect offers a breakthrough miniaturized mass spectrometer that fills an unmet need by being highly accurate, rapid, lightweight, and cost-effective. For more information on 1st Detect Corporation, please visit www.1stDetect.com.

 

About Astrotech Corporation


Astrotech is a leader in identifying and commercializing space technology for terrestrial use. 1st Detect Corporation is developing what we believe is a breakthrough miniaturized mass spectrometer, the MMS-1000™, while Astrogenetix, Inc. is a biotechnology company utilizing microgravity as a research platform for drug discovery and development. Astral Images provides an advanced film scanning and digital defect removal solution. All are wholly owned subsidiaries of the parent.

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, trends, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from the forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, continued government support and funding for key space programs, product performance and market acceptance of products and services, as well as other risk factors and business considerations described in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings including the annual report on Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statements in this document should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 

 

Joshua Elbaum
VP, Marketing
+1 (512) 485-9530

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