News Summary
NASA is evaluating the Impact wireless digital x-ray system by MinXray for future space missions to ensure astronaut health during long-duration travel. The system, part of a selection process from over 200 x-ray units, has already been used in space to capture human x-ray images. Its portability allows for real-time health monitoring, addressing critical concerns about health risks like bone density loss in microgravity. NASA aims to finalize the selection by 2025, with further tests planned aboard the ISS.
Cleveland, OH – NASA is currently testing MinXray’s Impact wireless digital x-ray system as part of its efforts to equip future human exploration missions with advanced medical technology. The Impact system is one of three portable x-ray units selected for further evaluation after an in-depth review of over 200 commercial x-ray systems based on criteria such as size, weight, image quality, cost, ease of use, and safety.
Chase Haddix, PhD, a senior research contractor at NASA Glenn Research Center, highlighted that the Impact system is crucial in addressing the health challenges associated with long-distance space travel. This innovative x-ray technology is capable of performing both clinical and nonclinical diagnostics. It not only aids in assessing the health of astronauts but also checks for any issues with their space suits.
Recently, the Impact system was utilized during the Fram2 mission, where it successfully captured the first human x-ray image in space. NASA researchers aim to finalize their selection of the x-ray system by the end of 2025. The selected system is anticipated to undergo testing aboard the International Space Station in 2027 or early 2028.
The Fram2 mission, which launched on March 31, 2023, at 9:46 p.m. EDT from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marked a significant milestone in space medicine. During the 3-5 day mission, astronauts will utilize the x-ray machine for the first time in orbit, conducting over 20 science experiments. This initial deployment focuses on verifying equipment functionality and assessing image acquisition capabilities.
Concerns about astronaut health during extended spaceflights are paramount, particularly with studies indicating that astronauts lose approximately 1% of their bone mineral density each month due to the absence of gravitational force. The portability of x-ray technology allows for real-time monitoring of these changes, which is invaluable for maintaining astronaut health.
The introduction of x-ray experiments is seen as a transformative development in the field of space medicine. Previously, imaging research in this area primarily relied on ultrasound. The Impact system’s capabilities signify a new approach to monitoring astronauts’ health and wellbeing while in space.
As the testing of the Impact system progresses, NASA’s collaboration with industry partners, including developers of the x-ray detector KA Imaging and representatives from MinXray, will play a critical role in the project’s success. Continued advancements in portable medical technology will enhance the safety and health of future astronauts as they venture deeper into space.
NASA is committed to ensuring the health of its crew during missions, especially as human exploration continues to push the boundaries of space travel. Making informed decisions about the technology that will be employed in these critical missions is vital for the successful undertaking of long-duration space exploration.
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Additional Resources
- Aunt Minnie: MinXray’s X-ray System in Bid for NASA Missions
- Wikipedia: X-ray
- Aunt Minnie: What Will We Learn from X-rays in Space?
- Google Search: X-ray in Space
- NASA News: MinXray
- Google Scholar: X-ray Technology in Space
- Encyclopedia Britannica: X-ray
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