Austin, Texas, –Detect Corporation, a subsidiary of Astrotech Corporation (Nasdaq:ASTC), announced today that the United States Patent Office (“USPTO”) has allowed the issuance of a key patent for the company’s unique method to miniaturize the electrical circuitry for a mass spectrometer ion trap used for chemical analysis and detection.

“We are extremely pleased that the USPTO has allowed this patent. This patent is an important component of our intellectual property portfolio as it allows 1st Detect to miniaturize mass spectrometers without sacrificing performance.” said Thomas B Pickens III, Chairman and CEO of 1st Detect. “The patent clearly validates our technology and both demonstrates, and protects the progress we have made in the development of the 1st Detect Miniature Mass Spectrometer.”

The patent, entitled “End Cap Voltage Control of Ion Traps”, published as USPTO No. 8,334,506, represents a key technological advantage for 1st Detect to optimize the operation of an ion trap using compact and efficient circuitry.

“The technology protected by this patent supports our objective to offer the most affordable, high performance miniature mass spectrometer for both laboratory and field applications.” added David Rafferty, the inventor of the novel technology and President and CTO of 1st Detect.

1st Detect Corporation has developed an instrument that revolutionizes the chemical detection and analysis market by delivering lab performance mass spectrometry in a small, affordable and easily portable package. The 1st Detect mini mass spectrometer’s broad capabilities make it an ideal tool for a variety of applications in the research, security, industrial, process flow and healthcare markets; and 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 pollution products.

About 1st Detect Corporation

1st Detect Corporation was formed by Astrotech Corporation (Nasdaq:ASTC) to develop and commercialize miniature mass spectrometer technology first developed under an agreement with NASA for use on the International Space Station. 1st Detect offers a breakthrough miniature mass spectrometer that fills an unmet need by being highly accurate, rapid, lightweight, and cost-effective. For more About Astrotech Corporation Astrotech is one of the first space commerce companies and remains a strong entrepreneurial force in the aerospace industry. We are leaders in identifying, developing and marketing space technology for commercial use. Our Astrotech Space Operations business unit serves our government and commercial

satellite and spacecraft customers with pre-launch services on the eastern and western range. 1st Detect Corporation is developing a breakthrough miniature mass spectrometer, while Astrogenetix, Inc. is a biotechnology company utilizing microgravity as a research platform for drug discovery and development.