Molecular Devices' SpectraMax(R) M5e Multi-Mode Microplate Reader Chosen to be the First Microplate Reader in Space by NanoRacks, LLC for NASA's International Space Station

SUNNYVALE, California, May 17, 2011 - Today, Molecular Devices, a leading provider of instruments, software,
and consumables for drug discovery and life sciences research, announced that
NanoRacks, LLC has chosen the SpectraMax(R) M5e Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
for use in NASA's International Space Station; the M5e Reader will be the
first microplate reader to be used in space.

(Logo: photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100406/SF82092LOGO)

Molecular Devices top-of-the-line M5e Reader offers flexible
configurations across all commonly-used detection methods to accommodate a
wide range of life sciences applications. The M5e Reader includes
industry-leading SoftMax(R) Pro Data Analysis Software that can meet all
throughput, content, and multiplexing needs of researchers who conduct
microplate-based analysis.

NanoRacks chose the M5e Reader for the following reasons:

    -- It has the most advanced features, ease-of-operation, and
       quality software.
    -- The mechanics of the reader allow efficient adaptation to the
       zero gravity of space.
    -- The reader has the most features and capabilities in one unit.
    -- The M5e Reader is easily automated.
    -- The M5e Reader was specifically requested by researchers.

At NanoRacks, the challenge for the engineers will be to modify the plate
reader in order for the unit to operate comfortably in the zero-gravity
environment of the space station. "Our task over the next several months will
be to assure that the astronauts can fully utilize the plate reader in the
weightlessness environment of space," said chief engineer Mike Johnson. "This
is a fun challenge: the industry researchers specifically called out for the
M5e Reader and now we have to adapt it for the space station."

Once the M5e Reader is operational, space-based researchers will be able
to conduct analysis on-orbit. Jeffrey Manber, Managing Director of NanoRacks
said, "Having the SpectraMax M5e Reader on-orbit will allow researchers to
undertake research with real-time results. It was difficult and time
consuming to undertake quality, repetitive research projects before the
completion of the International Space Station. A new era has begun, and
researchers will be able to do quality work without the cloak of gravity."

In addition, researchers will use the reader to do sophisticated analysis
of experiments in areas such as: biochemistry, molecular biology, stem cell
and cancer research, immunology, enzymatic type studies, microbial growth,
and endotoxin testing. Johnson said, "We believe this will be the first time
ever that researchers will be able to see on-orbit reactions happening via
the use of fluorescence polarization - this is breaking into new areas of
sophisticated research."

"We are extremely pleased that NanoRacks has chosen the M5e Reader
because of its robustness of features, ease-of-operation, and software that
make it a clear choice for space-based researchers on the space station,"
said Mikey Kindler, Director of Marketing, BioResearch Products. "We look
forward to working with NanoRacks in the months ahead to ensure that the M5e
Reader will soon be operational in space."

Ultimately, the M5e Reader will join NanoRacks expanding line of
commercial hardware on the space station, which includes microscopes, a
centrifuge, and their research platforms - all designed to lead to a path to
stimulate commercial usage of these products from the broader research
community. Under the terms of the NASA service contract awarded to NanoRacks,
the M5e Reader will be owned by NanoRacks. NASA sponsored researchers will
have access to the unit while allowing NanoRacks to market the plate reader
to commercial users. The Space Act Agreement with NASA's U.S. National Lab
allows NanoRacks to develop, operate, and market research equipment and
services within the U.S. National Lab on the space station.

For more information about the SpectraMax(R) M5e Multi-Mode Microplate
Reader or other products from Molecular Devices, please visit our website
(www.moleculardevices.com) or send an email to info@moldev.com.

NanoRacks will provide regular updates on the Plate Reader program, from
modification for space to launch to initial operations via @nanoracks and at
www.nanoracks.com

About Molecular Devices, Inc.

At Molecular Devices we have one focus-our customers. Whether a long-time
user, recent adopter, or prospective customer, your needs fuel our actions.
We hire creative, best-in-class people to design, manufacture, and
commercialize analytical instruments, software, and assays as well as provide
dedicated follow-on support. Understanding your laboratory workflow is our
top priority, and we direct product development toward solving your unique
issues. Our instruments offer a full spectrum of detection technologies and
meet all throughput needs-from dedicated, single-readout devices to
multi-readout systems. Our goal is to deliver highly relevant analytical
products to detect biology, decode data, and drive discovery. With
headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices around the globe, we support and
enrich efforts of the international BioResearch, BioPharma, and BioTesting
communities. Visit us today at www.MolecularDevices.com.

Molecular Devices products are for Research Use Only. Not for use in
diagnostic procedures.

Molecular Devices, the Molecular Devices logo, and all other trademarks
are the property of Molecular Devices, Inc.

About NanoRacks, LLC

NanoRacks, LLC was formed in 2009 to provide quality hardware and
services for the U.S. National Laboratory onboard the International Space
Station. We now have two research platforms onboard the U.S. National
Laboratory which can house plug and play payloads using the CubeSat form
factor. Our current signed customer pipeline of over 50 payloads including
domestic and international educational institutions, research organizations
and government organizations, has propelled NanoRacks into a leadership
position in understanding the emerging commercial market for low-earth orbit
utilization. Visit us at www.nanoracks.com

Mikey Kindler of Molecular Devices, Inc., +1-408-747-3703, mikey.kindler at moldev.com