Astrotech's Business Segments

Astrotech Corporation (Nasdaq: ASTC) , a Washington corporation organized in 1984, is an Austin, Texas based technology company that has evolved from over 30 years in the human spaceflight, Space Shuttle and Department of Defense (“DOD”) satellite programs. The Company is a leader in the commercialization of space technologies, and we also continuously evaluate potential investment opportunities where we can leverage our significant entrepreneurial experience, operating experience and vast network to add value for our shareholders.

The Company now operates a single reportable business unit, Spacetech, and its efforts are focused on the following:

Working with customers and development partners to satisfy application specific chemical detection objectives using our advanced mass spectrometry technology;

Extending our intellectual property portfolio by enhancing and refining our mass spectrometry technology;

Enabling film restoration, enhancement and digitization using an automated process that revives the original color and removes dust, scratches and defects from film to restore it to its original condition;

Facilitating the shift from 2K resolution to Ultra-High Definition (“UHD”) High Dynamic Range (“HDR”) 4K resolution, the format in which the next generation of digital video content will be delivered to the home; and

Developing next generation vaccines using the unique environment of microgravity.

We are a technology company designed to commercialize space-industry technologies. The substantial majority of operations are related to 1st Detect and the Company is in the process of developing two other business lines.

1st Detect develops, manufactures and sells miniaturized transportable mass spectrometers and related equipment. Mass spectrometers, in general, measure the mass and relative abundance of ions in a sample to create a “mass spectrum.” The resulting mass spectrum is a unique fingerprint that is compared to a reference library of mass spectra to verify the identity of a sample. Mass spectrometers can identify chemicals with more accuracy and precision than competing instruments given their extreme sensitivity and specificity.

1st Detect’s mass spectrometer is a chemical analyzer that provides laboratory quality, real-time analysis. The system is now the platform for the world’s smallest commercially available Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (“GC/MS”). The Company’s proprietary technology utilizes advanced low power electronics and miniaturization technologies developed for detecting a wide range of chemicals quickly with very high sensitivity, specificity and reliability. The instrument provides laboratory quality performance in a much smaller footprint and at a much lower price than competing mass spectrometers. The Company has eleven granted U.S. patents, seven granted foreign patents, three pending U.S. patents and two pending foreign patent applications.
Our product portfolio currently consists of the following products:


MMS-1000™ - the MMS-1000™ is a small, low power desktop mass spectrometer designed for the laboratory market. The unique design of this unit enables fast, quality chemical analysis and requires minimal benchtop space (about the size of a shoebox), requires less power than a typical light bulb, and, unlike traditional instruments, requires no consumables or special infrastructure.

OEM-1000 - the OEM-1000 is a mass spectrometer component that drives the MMS-1000™. It is designed to be integrated into a customer’s specific packaging and enclosures, and is well suited to be integrated with application specific sampling or separation technology. A variant, the OEM-1000PI has recently been integrated into a TGA manufactured by RIGAKU Corp. of Tokyo, Japan, one of the leading instrumentation companies in Asia. The integrated instrument named Thermo iMS2 is the world’s first integrated TGA with MS/MS capabilities and will be sold by RIGAKU to the international research and development markets. A further variant of the OEM-1000 has been selected by Battelle, a leading supplier of military chemical detection equipment, for integration into the NGCD, a program under development by the DOD’s Joint Program Executive for Chemical and Biological Defense.

iONTRAC - the iONTRAC is a process analyzer utilizing an enhanced version of our core mass spectrometer technology, which includes the addition and integration of gas chromatography and continuous 24/7 operational features. The iONTRAC provides in-situ real-time monitoring of industrial processes, and we are targeting customers in petrochemical processing, food and beverage manufacturing, critical infrastructure protection and semiconductor clean-room environmental monitoring. The instrument is designed to autonomously monitor processes and to provide reports using industry standard factory management system (“FMS”) infrastructure.

Astrogenetix is a biotechnology company formed to commercialize vaccine targets discovered in the unique environment of microgravity.

Astrogenetix is a biotechnology company formed to commercialize products processed in the unique environment of microgravity. Astrogenetix pursued an aggressive space access strategy to take advantage of the space shuttle program prior to its retirement in 2011. Astrogenetix and the team are currently focused on developing a Salmonella vaccine as part of the ongoing commercialization strategy. We have negotiated a Space Act Agreement with NASA providing for a minimum of twenty-eight additional space flights following the successful filing of the IND application for Salmonella.

Astral Images

Astral provides efficient and high quality film digitization, image correction and enhancement technology. We offer complete systems containing customized off-the-shelf hardware with integrated Astral Images software, standalone software products and scanning or enhancement services. Our two products include:

Astral Black ICE™ - targeted mainly towards the black and white feature film and televisions series digitization and restoration markets, Astral Black ICE™ is a complete system with customized off the shelf hardware with purpose built software and services. Our image correction and enhancement technology is integrated into the scanner while offering high quality real-time results at scan speed.

Astral Color ICE™ - a standalone software solution that can be integrated into most film scanners to enable color image correction and enhancement.

Both Astral Black ICE™ and Astral Color ICE™ provide for significant cost savings over the expensive and labor intensive manual process that has been the industry standard.

Astrotech Corporation is a multifaceted organization that focuses on advanced technology and scientific innovation in various fields, primarily through its subsidiaries, 1st Detect, Astrogenetix, and Astral Images. The company specializes in developing products and services that cater to analytical chemistry, biotechnology, and image correction technologies, leveraging its unique capabilities and partnerships.

1. 1st Detect

1st Detect is a pioneer in the development, manufacture, and commercialization of miniaturized transportable mass spectrometers and related equipment. Mass spectrometry is a pivotal analytical technique used for measuring the mass and relative abundance of ions in a sample, generating a “mass spectrum” that serves as a unique identifier for various substances. By employing advanced technology initially developed for NASAs International Space Station (ISS), 1st Detect has made significant strides in creating instruments that are notably smaller, lighter, faster, and less expensive than traditional mass spectrometers while also offering superior sensitivity and accuracy compared to other chemical detection methods.

Key Products

- MMS-1000™: This small, low-power mass spectrometer was initially designed for the laboratory market but has extensive applications in various fields. About the size of a shoebox and consuming less power than a typical light bulb, the MMS-1000™ enables high-quality chemical analysis in diverse environments. It is particularly suitable for locations where traditional mass spectrometers have typically not been utilized, such as airports for explosives detection, factory floors, and field operations in military settings.

- OEM-1000: This component is engineered to be integrated into customers existing technologies. Recent integrations have included the Thermo iMS2, the world’s first thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) that combines tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) capabilities, developed in collaboration with RIGAKU of Tokyo, Japan. Additionally, the OEM-1000 has been selected for integration into the Next Generation Chemical Detector (NGCD) being developed by Battelle, which aims to enhance military chemical detection capabilities.

Astrogenetix

Astrogenetix is a biotechnology firm focused on commercializing innovative vaccine targets identified in microgravity environments. The companys efforts are part of a collaboration with NASA and the University of Marylands Center for Vaccine Development, a notable institution in vaccinology. The primary objective is to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a vaccine targeting Salmonella. NASA supports this research financially, minimizing the investment required from Astrogenetix.

Astrogenetix has also established a Space Act Agreement with NASA, which guarantees a minimum of twenty-eight additional space flights aimed at furthering vaccine research after the successful IND application for Salmonella is filed. This strategic partnership with NASA enhances Astrogenetixs research capabilities and positions it as a forefront player in the biotechnology sector.

Astral Images

Astral Images was established to leverage government-funded satellite image correction technologies, focusing on the digital restoration of visual media. The subsidiary acquired specific defect correction technologies from Image Trends, Inc. through bankruptcy proceedings, ensuring it obtained the intellectual property pivotal for advancing its capabilities in this area.

Key Achievements:

- Technology Acquisition: Astral secured innovative film defect correction technology initially developed through collaboration between IBM and Kodak, which provides a foundational base for future enhancements.

- Market Positioning: With the acquired technology and a team of skilled engineers from Image Trends, Astral aims to adapt its capabilities for a range of applications, including digital conversion and restoration of feature films, television series produced on film, archived sporting events, and consumer media. This positioning places Astral at the forefront of the media restoration and image enhancement industry, ready to tackle the challenges of digitizing and preserving historical film content.

Conclusion

Astrotech Corporation showcases a robust portfolio of products and services across its subsidiaries, focusing on cutting-edge technology developed for advanced applications in mass spectrometry, biotechnology, and image correction. Their commitments to research and collaboration, especially with entities like NASA, reflect a dedication to innovation and the promotion of technological advancements that meet the evolving needs of various industries. With its diverse offerings, Astrotech Corporation positions itself as a leader in analytical and life science technologies, while also making significant inroads into media enhancement and preservation.