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well, ASTC has failed, for one
Anybody have any clue what’s happening here.
Today's news is fantastic. Let's gets sales and placement going.
Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
On April 11, 2019, the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of Astrotech Corporation (the “Company”) determined to select a new firm to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. On May 14, 2019, the Committee notified BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”) that it had determined to dismiss BDO as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, effective as of that same date. On and effective as of that same date, the Company appointed Armanino, LLP (“Armanino”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.
BDO’s reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that BDO’s report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 included an explanatory paragraph indicating that there was substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern
During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period preceding BDO’s dismissal, there were: (i) no “disagreements” (within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) with BDO on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BDO, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its reports on the consolidated financial statements of the Company; and (ii) no “reportable events” (as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
The Company has provided BDO with a copy of this Current Report on Form 8-K prior to its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and requested BDO to furnish to the Company a letter addressed to the SEC stating that it agrees with the statements made above. A copy of BDO’s letter dated May 15, 2019 is attached as Exhibit 16.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period up to the date of Armanino’s engagement, neither the Company nor anyone on the Company’s behalf consulted with Armanino regarding: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; (ii) the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements; (iii) the provision of written or oral advice that would be an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to an accounting, auditing or financial reporting issues; or (iv) any matter that was the subject of a “disagreement” or a “reportable event” (within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, respectively).
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1001907/000156459019019560/astc-8k_20190514.htm
ASTROTECH REPORTS THIRD QUARTER OF FISCAL YEAR 2019 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Austin, Texas – May 13, 2019 – Astrotech Corporation (NASDAQ: ASTC) reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2019 ended March 31, 2019.
The third quarter was pivotal for Astrotech’s 1st Detect subsidiary, having announced on February 21 that it received official European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) certification for both passenger and cargo screening.
With a near-zero false alarm rate, a virtually unlimited detection library, and near 100% uptime, the TRACER 1000™ is the only certified explosives trace detector (ETD) that can detect more threats than the extremely limited number detected by current ETDs. We believe these features will accelerate airport passenger security line throughput, significantly enhance passenger and cargo security, and position the TRACER 1000 as a market disruptor in explosives and harmful substance trace detection.
“ECAC certification has led to two successful field trials and in both instances, the state-of-the-art TRACER 1000 outperformed the currently deployed ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) based ETDs. We are excited that these field trials confirm the results we have been seeing in testing,” stated Thomas B. Pickens III, Chairman and CEO of Astrotech.
Following the end of the third quarter, in April 2019, Astrotech completed a $2 million private investment from its Chairman and CEO and another long-term investor.
“This investment is expected to provide the resources toward the goal of transitioning from a devoted R&D company to a manufacturing organization after receiving ECAC certification,” continued Pickens.
Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2019 Financial Highlights
Management continues efforts to optimize our resources while reducing cost and adding financial flexibility.
•
Operating expenses decreased 27% through the third quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2018, due to an ongoing emphasis on cost reduction.
•
Monthly cash burn for the fiscal year has been reduced to $731 thousand, a 25% reduction from our run rate through the third quarter of fiscal year 2018.
•
Astrotech Corporation had no debt at March 31, 2019.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1001907/000156459019018861/astc-ex991_6.htm
Austin Business Journal In the money April 29: $3M in funding deals, including T. Boone Pickens' son injecting $1M into own business
Unable to open link to see what else might be there but we already know about it.....just getting a little more airplay for Tom Pickens buy (News blurb released about 30 minutes ago)
"The largest deal we could find in the past week involved Thomas B. Pickens III, the youngest son of oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens. He is CEO of Astrotech, an Austin company with an array of highly advanced scientific products, including bomb-detecting tech."
https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2019/04/29/in-the-money-april-29-3m-in-fundings-including-t.html
TSA: Checking for danger like finding 'needle in a haystack'
(With Video)
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) —
What happens when your suitcase disappears behind the ticket counter? The Transportation Security Administration on Friday gave KCCI a special behind the scenes look at the baggage screening area at the airport to find out.
"The threats are always evolving, so we have to be on our toes to make sure we are deterring those threats," said Jason Channon, TSA security manager at the Des Moines International Airport.
"We don't want prohibited items or anything that's dangerous that is going to take down an aircraft," he said. "That's what we are here for."
Most travelers don't get to see the process when the checked luggage goes from the ticket counter, through security and into the belly of the airplane.
A KCCI crew followed a special bag that eventually set off a security alarm. The first stop was a giant CT scanner, which examines the inside of luggage and detects explosives or other dangerous items.
"It slices, we like to say, like a loaf of broad," Channon said. "It provides individual slices of a bag."
If the machine detects a potential problem, the alarm goes off and a TSA screener checks the 3D view of the luggage. For security reasons, KCCI can't show that screen.
The TSA agent either resolves the issue or sends the bag on for further screening. Another TSA agent then uses a vacuum-like device to transfer the suitcase from the belt to a special screening station.
The agent also looks at a 3D picture of the luggage and knows exactly where to look in the suitcase. The agent checks for explosive trace residue. If there is no problem, the bag heads onto another moving belt, out of security, into the baggage loading area and onto a plane.
Channon compared the process to finding a "needle in a haystack. ... That's what we are looking for every day. That's what we train our officers to look for."
TSA agents said their goal is to screen a bag in less than two minutes. Airport managers said the baggage screening area is out of room with more flyers traveling through Des Moines, but they said a new airport will help solve that problem.
https://www.kcci.com/article/tsa-checking-for-danger-like-finding-needle-in-a-haystack/27289028
Over this past Easter weekend Sri lanka was attacked at multiple churches;260 killed and over 500 injured in Sri Lanka ...it's ridiculous but yet people need to be protected.
Seems to me the tracer 1000 with it's portability could be used by a lot more locations than I previously thought;It's disturbing that we would have to resort to measures.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48012085
TSA Sets New Records for Number of Passengers Screened in a Single Day
Just tells me things will get worse and busier as we move forward ,they need the TRACER 1000;The path is getting clearer for TRACER 1000 and ASTC/1st Detect takeoff !!
https://thepointsguy.com/news/tsa-record-setting-week/
No other way to take it but good
Insiders usually only buy for 1 reason,(it's going up and they will make money)
Selling could be for a thousand reasons
I expected something like this anyway and was pleased to see it come about
However,I would prefer some deal(s) and get this pony show on the road
Either start selling and manufacturing the Tracer 1000 or sell the company
Multiple positive possibilities if a person has the patience to wait this out to fruition
Astrotech's CEO Makes Investment In The Company
Astrotech Corporation ("Astrotech" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ASTC) today announced that it has entered into and closed a private placement of the sale of its equity securities for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $2 million,...
Astrotech Corporation ("Astrotech" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ASTC) today announced that it has entered into and closed a private placement of the sale of its equity securities for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $2 million, before deducting offering-related expenses. The Company plans to use the proceeds from the financing primarily for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas B. Pickens III, has purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1 million, 280,898 shares of the Company's series D convertible preferred stock (the "Series D Preferred Stock"), at a price of $3.56 per share, the consolidated closing bid price of the Company's common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on April 16, 2019. The Series D Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into an aggregate of 280,898 shares of the Company's common stock.
In addition, a current significant Astrotech shareholder has purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1 million, 280,898 shares of the Company's series C convertible preferred stock (the "Series C Preferred Stock"), at a price of $3.56 per share, the consolidated closing bid price of the Company's common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on April 16, 2019. The Series C Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into an aggregate of 280,898 shares of the Company's common stock. The holder of the Series C Preferred Stock has agreed to restrict its ability to exercise the Series C Preferred Stock such that the number of shares of the Company common stock held by such holder and its affiliates after such conversion does not exceed 9.99% of the Company's then issued and outstanding shares of common stock.
The securities offered in the private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws.
https://www.thestreet.com/press-releases/astrotech-s-ceo-makes-investment-in-the-company-14930961
GENERAL INFORMATION AND PERSONAL OPINIONS
Based on the way this is written (Filing dated Nov.9th,2018 Form 424B5),and depending on what price shares are sold at and what kind of volume is happening,whether there is news or not that the stock is moving on.....all these factors need consideration AND will determine how much dilution,IF any.
I think it is quite possible something good might happen "financially" for the company that could pre-empt any stock sales,whether that is a buyout of 1st Detect,buyout of ASTC entirely,cash infusion done in a more "creative" way? I'm sure there are many who are creating their own "scenarios" and believe they have it "figured out";I seriously doubt it;It wouldn't be a surprise ,or shouldn't be a surprise if the company sells stock into the next good news;The amount of dilution possible under this current "prospectus supplement" is minimal ....especially if the stock price is moving much higher over some long awaited good news for long term or short term shareholders and they can show either a huge influx of cash or the ability to produce revenue on a continuous basis.
Disclosure:I've been in and out of this stock a lot over 10 years and every time I think I have it figured out ,the winds change;My intentions now however have altered a bit and I've developed a possible longer term outlook;I cannot commit to that but I am prepared for it;The problem is there is too much "unknown" and I feel a bit uncomfortable committing to a longer term plan for myself until I know what the future starts looking like.
My timing with ASTC has been lousy over those 10 years because of things like what is occuring right now and my impatience ,(which sometimes is very warranted),selling to early,selling to late and buying timing as well .... trying to time the moves;My current "investing" strategy here is to accumulate as many shares as possible and maintain a core postition,selling a few shares possibly as it rises/the eventual news will determine how far I go before I sell 1 single share,not a set parameter, NOT having sell orders already in prior to any moves.
I would NOT use stops on this stock under any circumstances;It is too illiquid and you will end up losing your shirt in the larger % of cases ,in my opinion;I think you are foolish to use stops on this stock;You have to maintain a mental attitude of not selling until you get some profit at minimum.
To each his own I'm not here to give anyone advice;I'm simply chattering my thoughts and what I think,I'm sure others think different,but that's what makes a market doesn't it?
Lastly,as far as my personal trading habits I am not a "large" shareholder in many circles but not going to disclose how many shares I have because it shouldn't matter;Everyone has their own thresholds of risk,tolerance and fiduciary ability.
REASONS STOCK PRICE IS STILL UNDER $4.00
1.LACK OF NEWS from the company
2.LISTED with ECAC but no sales anouncements yet
3.LACK OF FUNDS and fears of coming dilution (which I think is unfounded based on the prospectus below)
4.NO TSA approval yet;Seems overdue or are we just impatient? (WE DON'T
KNOW THE ANSWER BECAUSE see #1 lack of news)
5.COMPETITION>> SMITHS being #1, who just landed a 95 Million $ contract
6.NEVER a CONFERENCE call
I'm certain others could add more reasons,AND other complaints but I think those are my highlights.
.............
...............
Filing dated Nov.9th,2018 Form 424B5
ASTROTECH CORPORATION
$6,602,390
Common Stock
We have entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement, or sales agreement, with B. Riley FBR, Inc. (the “Distribution Agent”), dated November 9, 2018, relating to the sale of shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. In accordance with the terms of the sales agreement, under this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus we may offer and sell shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $6,602,390 from time to time through the Distribution Agent, acting as agent.
Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be made by any method permitted that is deemed an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. The Distribution Agent is not required to sell any specific amount, but will act as our sales agent using commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in any escrow, trust or similar arrangement.
The Distribution Agent will be entitled to compensation at a commission rate of 3.0% of the gross sales price per share sold. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, the Distribution Agent will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of the Distribution Agent will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have also agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to the Distribution Agent with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “ASTC.” On November 7, 2018, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $3.16 per share.
The aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or public float, is approximately $19,807,170, based on approximately 4,505,019 shares of outstanding common stock, of which approximately 961,697 shares are held by affiliates, and a price of $5.59 per share, which was the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on September 21, 2018. We have sold $0 of securities as calculated pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 during the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on and includes the date of this prospectus supplement. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities in public primary offerings on Form S-3 with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12 calendar month period so long as our public float remains below $75.0 million.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1001907/000156459018028979/astc-424b5.htm
I don't see why 1st DETECT couldn't bid on this
ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT S.A.
Document Type Tender Notice
Bidding Type International Competitive Bidding
Project Location Greece
Description Tenders are invited for Supply and Maintenance of Ten (10) Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) systems .
Athens International Airport S.A. (hereinafter called AIA ) in compliance
with the Airport Development Agreement as ratified by Law 2338/1995
(Government Gazette A’202/14.09.95), is inviting companies or consortia/
joint ventures to tender for the Project in title at Athens International Airport
"Eleftherios Venizelos"
Eligibility Criteria : Tenderers’ financial ability in relation to the anticipated contract cost.
Submission of Annual Financial Reports for each of the three (3) last fiscal
years, including audited financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income
Statement, Cash Flow Statement), the notes of the financial statements and
the auditor’s report;
Deadline 08 May 2019
http://www.tendersinfo.com/freetenderdetails?tiref=443406000
.........
GREECE IS ONE OF THE ECAC MEMBER STATES
https://www.ecac-ceac.org/member-states
.........
And of course 1ST Detect is now on the ECAC list >>>
Astrotech Announces Major Milestone – 1st Detect Receives ECAC Certification
https://www.1stdetect.com/astrotech-announces-major-milestone-1st-detect-recieves-ECAC-certification/
It's an eyebrow raiser but no way to know if it's 1st Detect ........
Wish the company would clarify some things
I'm fairly certain they have a "usable" device ....but how they are going to monetize it will be a mystery until we know
Manufacturing and sales? I think that would be new for Pickens,but then he put Raj in place as CEO of 1st Detect; If he was planning a sale of 1st Detect why bother putting Raj in as CEO?
Sale of 1ST Detect?
Patents have to worth something as well
Running out of cash.....Pickens got creative last time by buying himself
Looking forward to see what he has planned here
The mystery is becoming a bit intriguing
But... we need to make money as well,that's why people invest,but there is a developing story here;Can't wait for the next chapter
I bought a few more shares Friday at 3.50 right before it started moving higher
Good luck
Great post. Lots of info. Thx.
Las Vegas airport to test machines to detect explosives
Hmmmm 1st detect?
Posted by Tim Evans on April 5, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Transportation Security Administration agent Donna Franco, left, assists a passenger in one of the new automated screening lanes at McCarran International Airport Terminal 1 in Las Vegas, Aug. 31, 2017. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
As Las Vegas’ airport continues to see record-breaking passenger traffic, keeping those travelers safe is a top priority.
McCarran International Airport is set to test four explosive detection machines at the Terminal 3 security checkpoint, county Director of Aviation Rosemary Vassiliadis said last month during her presentation to the Assembly Committee on Infrastructure and Growth.
The project, touted as the “checkpoint of the future” by Vassiliadis, will be a joint effort between McCarran and the Transportation Security Administration.
“A separate checkpoint set up in Terminal 3, in a separate little area,” Vassiliadis said. “We’re going to open that up to the public and be able to determine together as a partnership, the airport and the TSA, what’s going to work the best, so we have the best and highest security at the airport.”
Additional information on the planned explosive detection machines was not available, according to McCarran officials. TSA representatives are expected to demonstrate the explosive detection devices to media ahead of their implementation at the airport, officials said.
The machines will be installed at McCarran as part of being designated a TSA Innovation Task Force site.
The TSA tests out the latest in technological advances at designated airports, gathering data and feedback on whether the technology is something it wants to use at airports nationwide.
One of the first big projects carried out through the TSA innovation initiative at McCarran was the installation of automated screening lanes.
The automated lanes are installed in three of the four TSA checkpoints in McCarran and were first installed in 2017. There are currently 18 automated screening lanes in use at McCarran, with six in Terminal 3, six at the C Annex and six at the C and D gate checkpoint.
Automated screening lanes can process passengers 20 percent to 30 percent faster than the traditional method used at most airports, according to McCarran officials.
McCarran ranked as the ninth busiest airport in the U.S. by volume last year, seeing a record 49.7 million travelers pass through its gates in 2018, so every second matters for moving passengers through its gates. The new lanes, the use of passenger screening canines and other projects are important to simplifying the airport experience.
“All of that helps the operation and makes it a little more seamless,” Vassiliadis said.
At last week’s Clark County Commission meeting, $3.04 million was approved to go toward the installation of six more automated lanes. That cost covers the screening units, hardware installation, labor and infrastructure.
Those automated screening lanes will be installed at the A and B gate checkpoint as part of a larger renovation project in the area, according to Christine Crews, McCarran spokeswoman.
“The installation of those lanes is part of a bigger renovation/expansion of the A/B checkpoint, so that process will take longer than the 6-10 weeks needed for the previous phases at other locations,” Crews said. “The estimated completion for the overall A/B checkpoint project is mid-summer.
https://hanahanherald.com/las-vegas-airport-to-test-machines-to-detect-explosives/35039/
Floor wax shuts down TSA scanners at Columbia Regional Airport
Just interesting that a floor wax could shut down these scanners I don't think you will have that kind of problem with a TRACER 1000 1st Detect but then it's not a scanner,but makes you wonder just how reliable Smiths New scanner will be
I think once 1st Detect becomes "known" things are going to change
At least that is what I'm hoping for ..... I think they lack Street credibility right now and need to get ramped up.
COLUMBIA REGIONAL AIRPORT — Columbia Regional Airport officials canceled one flight and delayed three flights Thursday morning. TSA officials said their scanners malfunctioned when inspectors tried to use them.
TSA officials said a chemical in some floor wax applied in the terminal somehow short-circuited TSA scanners. TSA officials were not sure how the chemical contacted with their scanners.
TSA technicians arrived on the scene and quickly fix the problem.
Flights out of the airport went smoothly when the scanners were back up and running.
TSA officials said airport maintenance crews planned to use a different floor wax from now on.
Short video and news
https://krcgtv.com/news/local/floor-wax-shuts-down-tsa-scanners-at-columbia-regional-airport
Global Explosive Trace Detectors Market Revenue to Witness Steady Growth Through 2025
April 3, 2019 | by Tanuj
Global Explosive Trace Detectors Market: Introduction
Explosive Trace Detectors (ETDs) are equipment used to detect the presence of explosives. Explosive Trace Detectors are used at airports, cargo facilities and at access control points of critical infrastructure and custom facilities. Explosive trace detectors implement different technologies for the detection of explosives. These include mass spectroscopy, ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), Chemiluminescence, thermo redox and amplifying fluorescent polymers (AFPs), among others. To improve the sensitivity of explosive trace detectors, gas chromatography is combined with the above mentioned technologies. Explosive trace detectors play a vital role in ensuring the security and safety of VIPs and public.
Explosive trace detectors are cutting edge equipment deployed for the detection of explosives by security agencies, searching for potential threat from explosives. Explosive trace detectors work at a microscopic level to detect any kind of threat. When a person comes in contact with explosives directly or indirectly, its traces adhere to that person and their articles. Hence, it is easily possible to identify a person who has been in contact with explosives. Explosive trace detectors are characterized by their sensitivity, false-positive rate, robustness and resistance against cross-talking chemicals, such as perfumes and other organic materials.
Global Explosive Trace Detectors Market: Market Dynamics
Growing terrorist activities across the world have triggered the need for tighter screening processes and improvements in security levels at airports and public & government places, which is expected to propel the growth of explosive trace detectors market during the forecast period.
Explosive trace detectors are being increasingly implemented for improving security at various critical places, such as nuclear power plants, embassies and transportation facilities, among other high-risk facilities, to identify and mitigate potential threats. Growing cases of organized crimes and increasing anti-social networks may result in growing threat to public safety in places of public interest. Under such critical and anti-social circumstances, explosive trace detectors are expected to play a vital role in enhancing public safety and helping security organizations safeguard these institutions. Hence, the explosive trace detectors market is expected to grow at a significant pace over the forecast period.
Although, the rise in terrorism is driving the demand for explosive trace detectors, high installation and maintenance cost is one of the key restraining factors expected to hamper the growth of explosive trace detectors market.
Due to the growing terrorist threats, governments and various organizations are setting strict regulations for public safety. The European Commission has introduced ECEA standards for aviation safety precautions, which is expected to drive the explosive trace detectors market during the forecast period. Furthermore, players are focusing on developing cost-effective solutions for fast and efficient trace detection and developing robust equipment for real field use with low levels of false alarm.
Global Explosive Trace Detectors Market: Segmentation
Based on type, the Explosive trace detectors market can be segmented into:Handheld ETD,Tabletop ETD,Other ETD,Based on technology, the Explosive trace detectors market can be segmented into:,,Mass Spectroscopy,Ion Mobility Spectrometry,Chemiluminescence,Thermo Redox,Amplifying Fluorescent Polymer,Others,Based on end-use, the Explosive trace detectors market can be segmented into:,,Aerospace,Critical Infrastructure,Customs & Border Protections,Defense,Ports,OthersGlobal Explosive Trace Detectors Market: Regional Outlook
North America is expected to dominate the explosive trace detectors market and is expected to growth with significant growth rate, primarily due to increasing government investments for improving security. Driven by growing terrorist activities in countries, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, etc., the Asia Pacific explosive trace detectives market is estimated to witness substantial growth over the forecast period. Furthermore, increasing number of airports will drive the aviation security spending, which in turn, will drive the demand for Explosive Trace Detectors. Increasing turmoil in Middle-East countries, such as Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, etc. is expected to drive the explosive trace detectors market over the forecast period. The European Explosive trace detectors market is expected to be driven by increasing investments in aviation security, especially in ECAC member nations.
https://titanchronicle.com/2019/04/03/global-explosive-trace-detectors-market-revenue-to-witness-steady-growth-through-2025/
TSA awards Computed Tomography contract to Smiths Detection, Inc.
Well at least we can see what the competition is up to;Price on these scanners is about $300,000.00 a piece;This is a scanner and is NOT what ASTC is working on but this is what a Press Release might look like if ASTC gets an award from the TSA
Also ,currently ASTC/1st Detect does not have one of these "scanners" for sale...not yet ,but they are working on several.
I think the TRACER 4000 AND TRACER 5000 will become direct competition for Smiths 3-D scanners in the future.
TRACER 4000 >> https://www.1stdetect.com/products/tracer-4000-ms-etd
TRACER 5000 >> https://www.1stdetect.com/products/tracer-5000-ms-etd
Smiths PRESS RELEASE >>
300 3-D scanners to be deployed at airports nationwide
National Press Release
Thursday, March 28, 2019
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration today awarded Smiths Detection, Inc. of Edgewood, Md., a $96.8 million contract for 300 Computed Tomography (CT) systems and associated ancillary equipment and services over five years. The award reflects active collaboration with industry to deploy CT technology to the field under the TSA Advanced Technology X-ray program. This technology will vastly enhance threat detection capabilities for carry-on baggage and overall effectiveness at airport security checkpoints across the U.S.
“Smiths Detection, Inc., offered the best value for TSA in this procurement, and has been chosen to support the most consequential technology deployment to checkpoints in the recent history of the agency,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “These state-of-the-art 3-D scanners will enable our screening officers to detect explosives and other threats to commercial aviation with unprecedented precision.”
CT Award InfographicTSA uses CT technology to screen checked baggage and began piloting CT technology at two airport checkpoints in 2017, in conjunction with robust laboratory testing. In 2018, 10 units from various manufacturers were placed in select airports for comprehensive field testing as part of the test and evaluation process. This initial purchase will supply and support TSA with CT units with deployment to begin in summer 2019 and be completed in 2020. Concurrently, TSA has and will continue to deploy other CT units unrelated to this procurement to further develop enhanced algorithms that improve operational efficiency and automated detection.
In making its final decision, TSA weighed several factors to include successful field and lab tests, production capability, and the ability to upgrade the systems, as well as price.
“This CT purchase supports the larger modernization efforts of the agency and would not be possible without the support of Congress, especially the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Homeland Security, as well as our appropriations committees,” added Pekoske. “The nation’s transportation systems are now better off – more secure, as a result of their work on funding this technology.”
https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2019/03/28/tsa-awards-computed-tomography-contract-smiths-detection-inc
The webpage at 1ST Detect on my last post here >>
https://www.1stdetect.com/solutions/airport-security/ takes you to "Airport Security"
If you click on "TRACER 1000 MS-ETD" or ("TRACER 1000" under the products heading from any page), it takes you to a different webpage on 1st Detects website here >>
https://www.1stdetect.com/products/tracer-1000-ms-etd/
On that page under the tab "FEATURES" you will find highlighted in red >> MS/MS capabilities
which discusses "SMART MS/MS" as follows,
1ST Detect has developed a technology to allow verification of any positive results. SMARTTM (Sinusoidal Multiplexed Array in Real Time) allows a single mass peak within a spectrum to be isolated. This process is followed by fragmentation of the molecular component that produces that mass peak. This secondary fragmentation, termed MS/MS, serves as additional verification of the compound identified, as this process produces a secondary spectrum that is truly unique to each compound.
Used mainly for identification certainty and unknown identification, SMART MS/MS both improves the probability of detection through secondary verification, and reduces the percent false alarm rate by eliminating interferent compounds that may share mass peaks with target compounds.
So if anything positive tips its hat at security it runs a second test to verify;Genius so you don't get a false positive it verifies the intial positive result;They have a couple of charts/graphs showing this on the MS/MS page above;I would think that feature would be a very important one,not to waste time of passengers or security personnel.
The market is also of course wanting to see approval with the TSA here in the United States (OVERDUE)
I'm not sure if that will have as big an effect on the share price as revenue news would.
Back in the day.... after 911 ... in the earlier 2,000s if a company mentioned TSA in conjunction with their company or business, stocks would rocket ship.
Not sure if that kind of effect on stocks is still going on or not
It should get a lift for sure but revenue will be the key going forward I think ... which has been lacking here for years.
It also could just get a fat buyout on the entire 1st detect unit,seems it's worth the price of the tickets and hopefully I'm correct about that.
Many are surprised it has pulled back;I have continued to buy,a little at a time when I can.
I think the market is wanting to see some revenue finally being generated,(similar to a biotech stock) When a deal,contract or something along those lines is anounced;It should rip higher with such a small float and potential future prospects looking better than they have for years.
The problem for people who want to sit on the sidelines to "wait and see",by the time news hits it will most likely be too late unless you're johnny on the post and see the news minutes before anyone else does
ASTC makes moves that sometimes do not make any sense;Looking back though many times those "peculiar" moves were opportunities.
Happy Trading
A little surprised this has pulled back this far. Looks like good
entry point to me. I will be watching closely
TRACER 1000
Airport security has become a highly sophisticated industry that must continually evolve to stay ahead of the ever-changing terrorist threats. The currently deployed Explosive Trace Detectors (ETDs) are based on a technology (IMS) that has become obsolete and a more capable solution is now required to keep passengers and the airways safe.
The 1ST Detect TRACER technology is the most advanced ETD technology available today. The TRACER 1000™ represents a breakthrough in engineering/science and is the first mass spectrometer that has been certified as a passenger, baggage and cargo ETD. The TRACER 1000™ has passed the rigorous European Civil Aviation Conference (or ECAC) testing and is now certified to be sold to airports throughout Europe. ECAC is respected throughout the world where most of Asia and the Middle East also follow the guidance of this important certification.
The TRACER 1000™ has been designed to replace ALL of the currently deployed ETDs over the next few years by providing unparalleled performance while significantly reducing the total cost of ownership.
APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:
Detection and identification of chemical agents
Post blast attribution and forensics
Portal and access point security
Aviation checkpoint and baggage screening
Critical infrastructure protection
Border screening and facility access security
Fuel and product marking
PRODUCTS:
TRACER 1000 MS-ETD
Currently Under Development
TRACER 2000 MS-ETD
TRACER 3000 MS-ETD
TRACER 4000 MS-ETD
TRACER 5000 MS-ETD
https://www.1stdetect.com/solutions/airport-security/
Someone picked up about 1500 shares on those 3.65s and the ask jumps to 3.88 ,,, now 3.87 LOL
A stock only costs what someone is willing to pay at any point in time
At the moment the stock appears to have hit equilibrium
At least the first two hours of trading today.
Only 712 shares traded ... doesn't appear to be any buyers or sellers,not at these prices.
Anyones guess what will occur next;The company isn't great at frequent updates in todays fast paced-Get-it now society...
Get it?
Go !!
Gone !
I think an open conference call about the future plans of ASTC/1st detect and an introduction of sorts to the new CEO President and Chief Executive Officer of 1st Detect,(even though he's been with the co. for awhile) would possibly be a boon for the stock.
Astrotech Subsidiary 1st Detect Appoints Raj Mellacheruvu As President And Chief Executive Officer
Most recently he served as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of 1st Detect and was instrumental in revolutionizing the Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) market with the introduction of an ETD-based on mass spectrometry technology.
https://www.astrotechcorp.com/2019-02-19-press-release
RAJ MELLACHERUVU – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mr. Mellacheruvu has over 20 years of experience in start-up and large enterprise environments focused on technology innovation, maximizing P&L performance and full lifecycle product management. In a prior position he served as the Vice President of Products & Strategy at ClearCube Technology, where he led the development and delivery of industry leading innovative products and solutions.
https://www.1stdetect.com/team/
Anyone know if anything is going on with this device 1St Detect was apparently working on
NGCD MSI
Next Generation Chemical Detector (NGCD)
I haven't heard much about it
https://www.1stdetect.com/products/ngcd-msi#
Is the gap going to fill or not?
See chart #1 below (Gap created 12/12/18)
It's certainly trading like it wants to go there
I bought more today thinking I didn't want to be greedy,but didn't wait long enough,bought more in the 3.60s OOF!! But not kicking myself I knew it was a 50/50 shot at it as I'm expecting a potential recovery bounce any time.I'll be digging in the couch cushions if they take it anywhere near 3.00
Gap was created 12/12/18 about 3 months ago;Looks like you could call it anywhere from 2.60s to 3.20s on the gap fill.
I honestly didn't think this would happen with approval in Europe and on the ECAC list for selling the TRACER 1000 as well as TSA waiting in the wings here in the USA
I am more bullish on ASTC than I have been in years;Being put on the ECAC list now they actually have something of value,along with many patents;I expect a buy out of 1st detect or they are going to start generating revenue from sales and contracts;Right now it is quiet but something is brewing because Pickens is the largest shareholder and I don't think he was throwing his own money away.
You have to pay for a ticket to ride and I am in higher than here but until I see some bad news I'm not concerned about the current share price because that can change literally in an instant with the right news;This is a relatively non-dilutive stock a rare thing with such a low share count.
It's possible we are witnessing one of 3 scenarios
3 things that could be going on with the way the stock is trading >>>
1. Someone has inside information about something bad I.E.there was a glitch at the TSA?
OR
2. Someone has inside information and knows something good is coming and they are shaking it down to gather shares.
OR
3. Nothing has changed at ASTC in regards to the way it trades and just does what it always does;Normally it flies on decent press releases and subsequently weakens over following weeks or months if they go for long stretches without news and there is nothing evil about its' trading at all;I just want to buy more
RSI has plenty of room to run,it's almost to zero
Sitting on the 200 day moving avg.and 5o day is at 4.71 (Crazytown)
The PSAR Parabolic Stop and Reversal you can see in the 2nd chart below
The dots on top of the candlesticks shows selling pressure and has been ongoing for quite a bit;When those dots flip to the bottom of the candlesticks you will know with certainty(confirmation) that buying pressure has began,however,imo if you wait until that happens you will have already missed the move out of the ghetto.
FYI I guess we can no longer use sharpcharts to post charts so using a different website , quality not as good but gets the point across.
Shows gap CHART #1 >>>
PSAR CHART #2 >>
1ST Detect potential competition
Checking the ECAC list for ETDs here >>>>>
https://www.ecac-ceac.org/documents/10189/62763/ECAC-CEP-ETD-Web-Update-20-February-2019.pdf/771e9026-a606-4a30-b8cf-6316e165b2d1
I see devices by the following companies below but am not aware which ones might be considered direct competition in Europe or which ones have the latest technology that 1ST Detect is professing to have and would have to do more research or,(anyone else can certainly do so if they feel so inclined,be my guest).
When you start looking at the devices individually it is a bit complicated and somewhat daunting trying to determine whether they are or are not head to head competition.
It is my stance and apparently 1st Detects that the other systems available are "antiquated and cumbersome ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) based ETDs for decades"
I believe I already determined Smiths is not direct competition,at least currently with devices they have available on the TSA United States website on the link below and as well the post I made on here March 8th,2019 link below at bottom of this page;Competition directly from Smiths on the ECAC website I have not determined yet and cannot currently say one way or the other;However,I assume if it is not direct competition on the TSA website it wouldn't be on ECAC,but not necessarily the case.
https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/non-ssi_acstl.pdf <<< TSA
I think worst case scenario here 1St Detect could be bought out by one of these other companies.
Bruker Daltonik GmbH
https://www.bruker.com/products/mass-spectrometry-and-separations.html
...............
L3 Technologies,
Inc.
(Previously:
Implant Sciences
Corporation)
https://www.sds.l3t.com/products/explosives-drug-detection.htm
...............
Rapiscan
(Previously:
Morpho
Detection)
https://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/products/category/trace-detection
...............
Nuctech
http://www.nuctech.com/en/SitePages/ThListPage.aspx?nk=PAS&k=FGAFHB
...............
Smiths
Detection
https://www.smithsdetection.com/prodcat/explosives-narcotics-trace-detection/
Recall that ASTC/1st Detect is claiming
“The 1st Detect TRACER 1000 ECAC certification marks the end of the old and ushers in a new era of efficiency and savings. The TRACER 1000, with its near-zero false alarm rate, has been designed to reduce risk, speed up the passenger lanes, and save airports hundreds of millions in unnecessary screening costs. Airport security personnel and passengers have been struggling with antiquated and cumbersome ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) based ETDs for decades, and it is now time to speed up the lanes and end the needless and embarrassing pat-downs. The industry has long been looking for a solution and after many years of hard work we are very proud to introduce the breakthrough TRACER 1000 ETD technology,” stated Thomas B. Pickens III, CEO of Astrotech."
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190221005301/en/Astrotech-Announces-Major-Milestone-%E2%80%93-1st-Detect
Previous post >>
https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=147380382
ASTC/1ST DETECT Press release February 21, 2019 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Astrotech Announces Major Milestone – 1st Detect Receives ECAC Certification
1st Detect Taking Orders for TRACER 1000™ Internationally
IMPORTANT PART: Airport security personnel and passengers have been struggling with antiquated and cumbersome ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) based ETDs for decades, and it is now time to speed up the lanes and end the needless and embarrassing pat-downs. The industry has long been looking for a solution and after many years of hard work we are very proud to introduce the breakthrough TRACER 1000 ETD technology,” stated Thomas B. Pickens III, CEO of Astrotech.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190221005301/en/Astrotech-Announces-Major-Milestone-%E2%80%93-1st-Detect
................
Are the statements above true in their Press Release?
So,my hypothesis right now is that 1st Detect Tracer 1000 is new,unique amongs its peers,and is the only device designed to replace the current generation of IMS-based explosives trace detectors currently deployed at airports, cargo inspection depots, and other high-security facilities globally.
Above device and quote
https://www.1stdetect.com/products/tracer-1000-ms-etd/
............................
Competition .... some have said that would primarily be Smiths Detection which I tend to agree with, so I will look at them closely first and foremost
Here are Smiths ETD devices >>
https://www.smithsdetection.com/prodcat/explosives-narcotics-trace-detection/
Note: None of these are mass spectrometry-based as far as I can tell they are antiquated and cumbersome ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) based ETDs,As ASTC/1ST DETECT has stated;Click on each one and read their descriptions.
.............................
.................................
Last I'm looking at the TSA Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL) dated August 27th,2018;There should be a new one published soon,I think it's every 6 months? In any case if you look at Section 3 Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) Devices
PAGE 15 3.1 Qualified ETD Technology shows >>>
"There are currently no systems in the Qualified ETD Technology section."
PAGE 16 3.2 Approved ETD Technology
Smiths Detection, Inc.
IONSCAN 600 Which is one of Smiths "antiquated and cumbersome ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) based ETDs"
PAGE 17 3.3 Grandfathered ETD Technology
There are 3 devices but the word above "Grandfathered" kind of tells you they are antiquated;One of them again is
Smiths Detection, Inc.
Ionscan 500DT That is obviously the antiquated ion mobility spectrometry (IMS)
https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/non-ssi_acstl.pdf
So far everwhere I turn I am seeing that ASTC/1ST DETECT is correct but for the sake of argument I want to look into what's on the European ECAC list when I get time.
For me though I'm convinced that 1st detect is sincere about what they have developed they just need to get their name out there more and start selling these or sell the company and I'm not sure what route I want them to take;Either way there should be money to be made here with a very low float and less than 6 million shares outstanding.
I'll continue to accumulate when possible;Would love for revenue to start coming in and I'm sure they will sell "some" stock for temporary funding but who knows ,since the share structure has such a low count maybe we can get a forward split to spice things up a bit for shareholders.
Great news. Let's sky rocket now. Good luck to all of us.
Waiting for news. Passed Euro testing...first to pass. Could be a lot of fun soon.
and yes ASTC dipped from 4.38 right to 3.62!!
shorts are treying to keep a lid on it
ASTC 4.17
So, since Oct 12th, this has gone where exactly? Big news? Anyone out there??? Nothing in the press. No PR?
No life in here over this. Any thoughts on the sale today?
* * $ASTC Video Chart 09-21-18 * *
Link to Video - click here to watch the technical chart video
resumed, shot to 5.40 and stopped again? wild ride today
yeah, wild ride past 4.75 now back below 4.25. still way up from yesterday's close. no news anywhere.
interesting move this morning. anyone hear news?
Thanks for reminding me about the space division sale.
Guess we are now a media company (enhancing old films, etc.) and what has happened to our vaunted detector division?
A notice of effectiveness for our company . . . we are to be delisted if
we do meet stock market listing Regulations? Sure wish SEC could just summary what's happening in common person language, as an intro to a legal
stock effect for listed company notices.
Our stock price and volume says what . . . company is on extended vacation?
Do we only get PRs and status info at quarterly report time?
No! Old pictures I am assuming.
http://www.astrotechcorp.com/services
That site will show the business units. Sold off the space program sometime ago, if I have all my facts correct. If there is something loose in regards to the space program I am not aware of it. I could be all wrong.
Austin, TX (August 22, 2014) -
Astrotech Corporation [NASDAQ: ASTC] has completed the sale of substantially all of the properties and assets related to or used in its Astrotech Space Operations business unit to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation for $61 million. http://www.astrotechcorp.com/news092914-c1rey
That is all I have on it. Please do your own due diligence. Opinion only.
Wowie . . . saw a space news story with a picture of ASTC employees in
Calif. Clean Room Gear working on New Laser-powered Ice-And-Forest Height Measurement NASA Satellite Pay Load very soon to be launched in Orbit.
Ice-Melt Effect on Polar Ice-Caps and its Planetary Weather Effects is compared by measuring growth rate on Earth's Forests that absorb CO2 thus created.
Would not have noticed our stock company was involved, except our company Logo showed on Wall in test area. I guess this type of stuff is suppose to be part of our company space business section.
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Interview with our Chairman and CEO, Tom Pickens
Fox Business’ Varney & Co. - https://video.foxbusiness.com/v/6203884644001
Interviews with Raed Dweik, M.D., Chairman of Cleveland Clinic’s Respiratory Institute:
WKYC, Cleveland - https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/cleveland-clinic-covid-19-breath-test/95-3706751c-d132-4c11-9697-0dab58d81be1
Fox 8, Cleveland - https://fox8.com/news/cleveland-clinic-working-with-texas-based-company-to-create-breath-test-for-covid-19/
?
?
Astrotech Corporation (NASDAQ: ASTC) announced today that its 1st Detect subsidiary has received a Gold Award for its TRACER 1000 explosives trace detector (ETD) in the Best CBRNE Detection System category at American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program.
“We are honored and humbled to receive the award, as it is a recognition of our core philosophy of differentiation through innovation,” said Raj Mellacheruvu, Chief Executive Officer of 1st Detect. “It has long been known that mass spectrometry is the superior technology for detecting explosives. We have solved the ease of use and ruggedness challenges of traditional mass spectrometry and we now have instruments deployed and in service throughout Europe. In addition, with our near zero false alarms, our instruments cost less than the competing technology and we are quickly becoming recognized as technological leaders in the industry.”
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards, now in its fifth year, is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today. The program is specifically designed to honor distinguished government and vendor solutions that deliver enhanced value, benefit and intelligence to end users in a variety of government, homeland security, enterprise and public safety vertical markets.
“Today, the United States is increasingly focusing on protecting public spaces, as well as IT/cybersecurity networks, and they are calling on innovative companies like 1st Detect to help them do so,” according to Tammy Waitt, co-founder and editorial director of American Security Today. “‘ASTORS’ nominations are evaluated on their technical innovation, interoperability, specific impact within the category, overall impact to the industry, relatability to other industry technologies and application feasibility outside of the industry.”
The TRACER 1000 is the only certified ETD that uses mass spectrometry, the world’s gold standard instrumentation used to identify complex chemical compounds. Checkpoint and cargo certification was received from the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) enabling TRACER 1000 sales in Europe and much of the rest of the world. Additionally, on September 9, 2020, the TRACER 1000 passed the non-detection testing of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Air Cargo Screening Technology Qualification Test (ACSQT). Upon successful completion of detection testing, which is the next and final phase, the TRACER 1000 will be added to the Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL) as an “approved” ETD for sales to the cargo screening market within the United States.
“After many years of hard work, innovation and investment, we are poised for continued growth in the security industry which will be followed by product introductions in the fields of agriculture and medicine. This is an exciting time as we begin our scale cycle and we are pleased to have our superior technology be recognized by a leading voice in the security industry,” concluded Mellacheruvu.
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