For the first time in the history of space medicine, astronauts have taken X-ray images in orbit. The results of the experiment, conducted aboard the Fram2 spacecraft, were published in the journal Radiology. For the past 40 years, ultrasound had remained the only reliable medical imaging tool in space, as traditional X-ray machines are too large for spaceflight, emit high levels of radiation, and suffer from image degradation due to constant motion.
To solve this problem, researchers from the Mayo Clinic and SpaceX used a portable X-ray device that is solar-powered and easy to operate. Prior to the flight, three crew members with no medical background underwent just four hours of training. Working completely independently in orbit, they captured X-rays of the hand, forearm, abdomen, pelvis, and chest.
Upon returning to Earth, radiologists confirmed that the quality and accuracy of the images were on par with those taken on Earth, and the radiation exposure did not exceed safe limits. This breakthrough is critical not only for medical care but also for engineering tasks—using the portable X-ray, the crew can inspect the spacecraft’s electronics and spacesuits without disassembly, which will significantly enhance the safety of future Moon and Mars missions.
