Astrotech Corporation (NASDAQ: ASTC) announced its 1st Detect TRACER 1000 system received ECAC/EU G1 approval for aviation security applications. The certification meets European Civil Aviation Conference and European Commission requirements for trace detection systems used in airport security screening.

The TRACER 1000 system uses mass spectrometry technology to detect trace amounts of explosive and narcotic materials. According to the company, the system is deployed in 16 countries worldwide and provides molecular identification to reduce false alarms during security screening processes.

"Aviation security requires a balance of screening speed and detection certainty," said Thomas B. Pickens III, Astrotech's chairman and chief executive officer. "Achieving ECAC approval and EU G1 certification validates our ability to deliver that balance."

The G1 certification represents the highest European standard for aviation security trace detection equipment. The approval allows the TRACER 1000 system to be used in European airports for passenger and baggage screening operations.

Astrotech operates through several subsidiaries including 1st Detect, which develops trace detection systems, AgLAB for agriculture process analyzers, Pro-Control for industrial manufacturing solutions, BreathTech for breath analysis platforms, and EN-SCAN for environmental testing equipment. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

The TRACER 1000 system includes both ETD and NTD variants designed for security and detection markets. The technology aims to provide laboratory-grade performance in portable designs for field deployment in various security applications.