Traditionally, X-ray technology has not been able to come to space, but the single exposure dual-energy Reveal 35C X-ray has shown interesting developments. What does this mean for the future of space healthcare? Join us as we explore recent developments and innovations in imaging technology that might change how we approach healthcare in space.
What is space healthcare and how does it work?
Space healthcare is health care administered in space with onboard resources and Earth-based expertise. Telemedicine is the primary method of care, with astronauts acting as hands-on providers under remote guidance. Some medical equipment is available onboard, but it must meet strict size, weight, and power use conditions.
Space healthcare starts before the astronauts enter space with consistent health monitoring. This monitoring confirms whether individuals are physically fit for spaceflight. Since low-gravity conditions can make certain health problems (such as cardiovascular issues) more severe, monitoring is important to detect high-risk conditions early.
Additionally, bone density loss is a persistent risk factor in microgravity environments, with astronauts losing up to 1-2% of their bone density in their hip and spine per month.
What happens when astronauts get sick in space?
Astronauts rely on telemedicine support from Earth whenever they get sick. Space missions have a medical team on the ground who provide assessments and treatment using telemedicine.
Getting sick during space travel is very common. Astronauts receive basic medical training before launch, but they are not physicians. They can use this basic training to treat minor ailments, but more serious medical issues are dealt with remotely.
In terms of diagnostics, tools onboard are limited. Because of increased radiation risks and bulky equipment, having equipment such as X-rays onboard was traditionally impossible. Clinicians rely on symptoms, physical exams, monitoring data, and ultrasounds for health care in space.
If an astronaut’s condition becomes serious and cannot be treated via telemedicine, then they must return to Earth early.
What medical supplies and equipment can be found in a space shuttle?
The medical supplies and equipment commonly found on spacecrafts include:
- Essential medications such as pain relievers, antibiotics, and anti-nausea drugs.
- First aid and trauma supplies.
- Defibrillators and cardiac monitoring tools.
- Exercise equipment, which prevents bone and muscle loss.
- Ultrasound has been used in limited cases, guided remotely by specialists.
Until recently, X-ray systems have not been part of onboard medical kits.
What illnesses and injuries can happen in space?
Being in a microgravity environment means movement requires less physical effort, which causes bones to lose density and muscles to weaken. This is a primary concern for active astronauts.
To counteract bone density loss, physical exercise is standard routine in space missions, but problems with bone density and muscle loss still happen even with daily exercise.
Low bone density and muscle loss can lead to:
- Increased fracture risk (particularly in the hips and spine)
- Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
- Chronic pain
- Mobility Issues
Other illnesses/injuries that astronauts are prone to during space travel include:
- Kidney stone formation
- Arrhythmias
- Cardiovascular deconditioning
- Thrombosis
- Infections
Reveal 35C: A milestone in spaceflight imaging research
In March 2025, we had the opportunity to bring our state-of-the-art X-ray detector, Reveal 35C, to space. This was part of a research initiative to explore the feasibility of X-ray imaging in spaceflight environments.
While X-ray imaging has been a cornerstone of healthcare on Earth for more than 100 years, it has remained largely unavailable to astronauts.
But Reveal 35C demonstrates the feasibility of imaging research in spaceflight environments. With portability and multi-energy capabilities, it is being evaluated as part of a research initiative.
Reveal’s Role in Space Healthcare: Why Reveal 35C Was Chosen
As part of the SpaceXray research project, Reveal 35C was selected for the Fram2 mission, which on a SpaceX flight, was the first human spaceflight to orbit Earth’s polar regions.
One of the key research goals of the Fram2 mission is to explore whether X-ray–based imaging approaches could contribute data relevant to bone health research in microgravity. In microgravity, astronauts are prone to bone density loss in critical areas such as the hip and spine. Having access to X-ray imaging allows researchers to explore whether image data may be relevant for research into bone health in microgravity.
But why Reveal 35C? It’s because Reveal 35C isn’t a traditional X-ray detector. Like the SpaceXray project, we made Reveal 35C to break barriers and evolve how we use imaging.
What Sets Reveal 35C Apart
What sets Reveal 35C apart is its patented SpectralDR technology. With a single X-ray exposure, the detector produces three images simultaneously: a soft tissue image, a bone image, and a traditional digital radiograph.
Here’s why this matters:
- The spectral capabilities of Reveal 35C allow for improved material identification. It’s easier to differentiate between materials that would otherwise have a similar appearance on standard X-rays. This is especially valuable in space, where repeat imaging is difficult and minimizing additional exposures is a priority.
- Reveal 35C uses a patented multi-layer detector design to generate multiple image types from a single exposure.
Traditional X-ray systems have been too large, power-hungry, and radiation-intensive for spaceflight. Reveal 35C addresses these challenges through its multi-energy capabilities, ultra-portable design, and reduced mass and volume. The research initiative evaluates imaging approaches designed to minimize radiation exposure within tightly controlled parameters.
Reveal 35C is used on Earth too, not just space. If you want to learn more about how and where it works, feel free to contact us for more information.
Why X-ray Imaging Matters in Space
Until now, ultrasound has been the primary imaging modality available to astronauts. While ultrasound is versatile, it cannot fully replace X-ray imaging, particularly for evaluating bone health, fractures, or certain internal conditions.
That’s why measuring bone density in the Fram2 mission isn’t just about finding out what’s possible — it’s about creating better medical protections and safeguards for astronauts travelling to space.
Moreover, it’s always important that teams on the ground have a more informed understanding of how astronauts are being impacted during space flight. Knowing the right time to intervene is crucial.
A New Era for Space Healthcare
The use of Reveal 35C during spaceflight represents a milestone in the exploration of imaging technologies for spaceflight environments.
By combining single-exposure dual-energy imaging, material identification, and ultra-portable design, Reveal 35C suggests potential pathways for the future.
As missions grow longer and more complex, access to accurate medical imaging is becoming more critical. As space healthcare evolves, Reveal 35C is contributing to ongoing research into imaging technologies for future space missions.
Research Disclaimer:
Reveal 35C is a medical device intended for use in regulated healthcare environments on Earth. The activities described in this article relate to a research demonstration conducted in a spaceflight environment and do not represent approved or cleared medical use. Product availability and regulatory clearance vary by region.