Astrotech Corporation

Astrotech Corporation is a technology incubator headquartered in Austin, Texas, focused on the development and commercialization of science and technology. The company's core mission involves funding, managing, and selling start-up companies that leverage internally sourced technology, as well as innovations from research institutions, government laboratories, and universities. Astrotech aims to maximize shareholder value through a disciplined innovation pipeline and diversified end markets.

Astrotech operates primarily as a mass spectrometry company, utilizing its proprietary Astrotech Mass Spectrometer Technology across several wholly-owned subsidiaries. Key products and services include trace detection systems for security and narcotics screening, such as the TRACER 1000, which is used in airports and cargo facilities. The company also develops solutions for environmental testing (EN-SCAN, including the Labrador HH-GC for air, water, and soil analysis), agriculture (AgLAB-1000 for the hemp and cannabis markets), and healthcare (BreathTest-1000 for breath analysis). Additionally, Astrotech offers the Pro-Control 1000-D2 for industrial process control.

In recent news, as of June 16, 2026, Astrotech's Board of Directors approved exploring the potential sale of its 1st Detect Corporation subsidiary, which develops the TRACER 1000 platform. This strategic move is intended to generate capital for Astrotech's previously announced lunar mining initiative. The TRACER 1000 has recently achieved significant regulatory milestones, including European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) certification for wand swabbing, enhancing its capabilities for passenger and cargo screening in aviation security. Leadership includes Thomas B. Pickens III as CEO, CTO, and Chairman, with Nihanth Badugu appointed as Chief Operating Officer in August 2025.