Optech’s Founder, Dr. Allan Carswell, honored with the John H. Chapman Award of Excellence by the Canadian Space Agency

Toronto, Ontario, May 25, 2006 - Optech Incorporated, the global leader in the development and manufacture of laser-based survey instruments, is pleased to announce that Dr. Allan Carswell, Founder and Chairman of Opt ech Incorporated, has been hono red with the John H. Chapman Award of Excellence by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA ) for his significant achievements and lifelong dedication to space science and development in Canada.

The Joh n H. Chapman award celebrates remarkable contributions to the space science and technology. Dr. Carswell is the seventh recipient of this esteemed award. His innovative work with the lidar technology and his involvement with the University of Arizona , NASA, and CSA on the Phoenix 2007 Mission to Mars have gained him garnered him high recognition in the global science community. Dr. Carswell’s involvement with the University of Arizona in its work to launch a meteorological station to Mars in 2007 has gained him a prestigious status among the space agencies. This esteemed prestigious award was presented to Dr. Carswell at a ceremony on May 18 , 2006 at the Canadian Space Agency in Longueuil , Quebec .

Dr. Carswell is an internationally recognized leader in lidar applications. He has been working in this field since its beginning A lidar pioneer since in the early 1960s . , Dr. Carswell founded Optech Incorporated in 1974 to develop commercial systems based on lidar technology. He has played an active role in the growth of Optech throughout its 32 year history . It Optech has expanded from its original manufacturing base in atmospheric lidar to its current position as a the leading developer and manufacturer of commercial lidar systems for a wide and growing range of applications. Dr. Carswell ’s expertise in lidar measurements led to his acceptance as Canadian co-investigator on the Phoenix Science Team for the meteorological station (MET) that will be placed on Mars in 2008 .

“We are delighted for Dr. Carswell, and it is with pride that we see how his work has been recognized and rewarded,” says Don Carswell, President of Optech. “Allan has been the principal driver in Optech's involvement in space applications and continues to be active with our Space division .  Everyone at Optech is very excited about Allan's current work and his scientific role on Optech's lidar for the  Phoenix mission. W e are all eager to see the first surface lidar measurements from Mars in 2008 . All at Optech extend their congratulations to Dr. Carswell on this great achievement. "

About Optech

Optech is the world leader in the development, manufacture and marketing support of advanced laser-based survey instruments. The company offers client-driven solutions in airborne terrestrial mapping, airborne laser bathymetry, laser 3D laser imaging, space-based atmospheric monitors and space borne landing/docking systems, mine cavity monitoring systems and industrial process control .

About the John H. Chapman Award of Excellence

Established in 2000 and presented annually by the CSA to a member of the space community, this award celebrates a remarkable contribution to the advancement of the Canadian Space Program and a lifetime of achievement in space science and technology. The recipient of the John H. Chapman Award of Excellence is selected by a committee presided by the President of the CSA. With this award, the CSA honours John H. Chapman's foresight and his lifetime of dedication to space innovation, ingenuity, and excellence.

About the CSA

For further information, please contact:

Phil Arsenault
Vice President Business Development
Optech Incorporated
300 Interchange Way
Vaughan, ON L4K 5Z8, Canada
Tel: (905) 660-0808
Fax: (905) 660-0829
www.optech.ca