The first X-ray exams carried out in space were produced in March 2025 during SpaceX's Fram2 mission. The images have now been released in a study published in the scientific journal Radiology and represent an important advance for aerospace medicine.
Astronauts take the first X-ray exams in history in space
The first X-ray exams carried out in space were produced in March 2025 during SpaceX's Fram2 mission. The images have now been released in a study published in the scientific journal Radiology and represent an important advance for...
Without the presence of specialized professionals, they used portable equipment to carry out examinations of the arm, forearm, abdomen and pelvis. Until then, ultrasound was considered the main imaging diagnostic method available during space missions.
- Successful completion of the exams expands the possibilities for medical care outside of Earth and can help in emergency situations during longer trips.
- According to researcher Sheyna Gifford, X-rays are one of the most important tools in modern medicine as they allow quick and accurate diagnoses, in addition to being able to be operated on...
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In addition to flying over the Earth's North and South poles, the mission's four crew members participated in an unprecedented experiment during the orbital flight. Without the presence of specialized professionals, they used portable equipment to carry out examinations of the arm, forearm, abdomen and pelvis.
Until then, ultrasound was considered the main imaging diagnostic method available during space missions. Successful completion of the exams expands the possibilities for medical care outside of Earth and can help in emergency situations during longer trips.
According to researcher Sheyna Gifford, X-rays are one of the most important tools in modern medicine as they allow quick and accurate diagnoses, in addition to being able to be operated on in different conditions.
The technology may also have other applications in space. A spectral X-ray system could be used to identify damage to equipment, detect fractures in tools, check for possible holes in spacesuits and even analyze the composition of rocks collected on missions to the Moon.
Despite the advances, the researchers say that the equipment still needs to become smaller and lighter to be easily incorporated into future missions. It is also expected that new versions will allow direct communication with control centers on Earth, which would help experts monitor exams and improve diagnoses remotely.
The images released show the first X-ray records made during an orbital flight.
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