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Sionex to Supply Trace Chemical Detector System for Air Monitoring in International Space Station

Wyle selects Sionex microAnalyzer™, differential mobility spectroscopy for demanding application

BEDFORD, Mass., February 9, 2009 - Sionex Corporation, a leading producer of chemical and biological sensors and sub-systems, today announced that Wyle has selected Sionex’s microAnalyzer™ as a candidate trace-chemical-detection engine to improve cabin air quality monitoring in the International Space Station. The microAnalyzer, using Differential Mobility Spectrometry, may replace the previous-generation Volatile Organic Analyzer (VOA), based on ion mobility spectrometry technology. The space station implementation, currently scheduled for the first quarter of 2009, is under the Environmental Health System portion of Wyle’s Bioastronuatics contract with NASA that provides the technologies to properly assess the air-quality in NASA’s manned missions.

"The VOA’s 15 year-old design is incompatible with NASA’s Exploration Vision," said Dr. Thomas Limero, Wyle’s Toxicology section supervisor. "The new unit must be small and robust enough to meet tight launch load restrictions and to permit multiple units on-orbit to enhance reliability and eliminate the need for repair. Further, the system must be simplified by reducing part count and reliance on re-supply and spacecraft resources. Finally, the analysis time must be shortened from hours to minutes so that data are quickly available and resources are conserved if an air quality event occurs. The advanced differential mobility spectrometry in Sionex’s microAnalyzer™ makes it possible to achieve these goals without sacrificing performance."

"The selection of Sionex’s microAnalyzer™ technology for the NASA project confirms that our trace chemical sensor offers unique sensitivity and selectivity in those high-risk situations where detection at parts per billion, in a complex matrix, is essential," said Wes Davis, CEO of Sionex. "That's true in protecting lives with the microAnalyzer™, as well as in other systems aimed at safeguarding the environment, diagnosing diseases and monitoring manufacturing processes."

Sionex and Wyle have finalized application scripts and space hardening of the Sionex microAnalyzer™ for a space flight scheduled in early 2009. The microAnalyzer™ will be installed on the International Space Station where it will undergo extensive field testing.

ABOUT SIONEX CORPORATION

Sionex Corporation provides breakthrough chemical and biological sensor chips and subsystems based on its proprietary microDMx detection technology. Sionex maintains its worldwide headquarters and laboratories in Bedford, Massachusetts. The Company is privately held and was founded in 2001 with patented technology exclusively licensed from the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory. Additional information about Sionex Corporation is available at www.sionex.com.

ABOUT WYLE LABORATORIES

As one of the nation’s leading providers of specialized engineering, scientific, and technical services to the Department of Defense, NASA, and a variety of commercial customers, Wyle serves its customers in the areas of test and evaluation; systems engineering and information technology; life cycle and acquisition program management; life sciences research; space medical operations and engineering; and qualification testing for natural and induced environments.

The company is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif. and employs approximately 4,000 employees at more than 40 facilities nationwide. Wyle comprises four operating entities: Aerospace Group, Information Systems Group, and Integrated Science and Engineering Group.Additional information about Wyle is available at www.wyle.com.

Forward-looking Statement Some statements in this announcement constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Sionex Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this announcement will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of this information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved.

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microAnalyzer™ is a trademark of Sionex Corporation.

EDITORIAL CONTACTS:

Wes Davis
(781) 457-5378
wdavis@sionex.com

microDMx™ and Protection by Detection™ are trademarks of Sionex Corporation.