Astronauts on SpaceX's Fram2 mission have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by capturing diagnostic X-ray images in orbit for the first time.This development provides space medicine with a second imaging option beyond ultrasound, which could significantly aid future crews in diagnosing injuries, inspecting equipment, and supporting prolonged missions to the Moon and beyond.

The MinXray TR90BH, a compact commercial X-ray machine, was used during the mission, allowing scans of body parts like the hand, forearm, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, as well as a smartwatch.The process involved minimal training for astronauts, with only four hours of instruction needed to operate the portable radiography device.

After calibration in orbit, the X-ray images were reviewed by independent radiologists, who found that while positioning scores for central body images were slightly lower than Earth-based scans, other scans met similar quality standards.Researchers aim to expand these tests in future missions while reducing equipment size.

This innovation marks a critical step forward in enabling medical diagnostics in space, addressing challenges posed by microgravity and the need for remote healthcare solutions.