In 2025, the first human X-rays were acquired in orbit. This year, the results were published in Radiology. We spoke with KA Imaging President and CEO and study co-author Amol Karnick about the achievement and what it could mean for imaging — in space and here on Earth.
When the Fram2 spacecraft entered polar orbit in March 2025, its research payload included a digital X-ray system designed to acquire human radiographs in microgravity.
The SpaceXray study used a MinXray portable X-ray generator paired with KA Imaging’s Reveal™ 35C detector. During the 3.5-day mission, crew members acquired human and equipment radiographs. The peer-reviewed results, published in Radiology in July 2026, evaluated the feasibility of radiography in orbit.
The most historic experiment we had on board was a tech demonstration: The first ever X-Ray taken in space. Project: X-Ray ⚡ Question: Can we take good quality X-Rays in space? Fun facts: – Due to bone loss in microgravity, fractures can become more likely on long duration missions – so we need a way to diagnose these. – X-rays can also be used to have a look at faulty electronics! The most fun picture we have is one where we captured our chest plus a wearable sensor, so we got both objectives hit in one go. – The first X-ray in history was taken in 1895 of Wilhelm Röntgen’s wife – here next to our recreation in space. Find the full list of research projects here: https://t.co/UdY6Kmgh7v
— Rabea Rogge (@rprogge) April 16, 2025
The first X-ray in space is a great headline. What should the medical imaging community take from the research?
Amol Karnick: The milestone gets people’s attention, but what interests me is what it took to make imaging possible in that environment. Space imposes extraordinary constraints: limited room, limited time and no radiologic technologist standing beside you. The study found that crew members with limited training could acquire diagnostically adequate radiographs in orbit. To me, that raises a broader question about where imaging can happen.
What was particularly significant about the results?
AK: The crew received four hours of training, and the study found no evidence of differences between preflight and in-flight radiographs in overall image quality, spatial resolution or contrast resolution, confirming the ease of using X-ray. The research also identified a challenge: positioning central anatomy was more difficult in microgravity. That’s why doing the research matters. You learn what is possible and what still needs to improve.
What does an experiment in orbit have to do with medical imaging on Earth?
AK: The environments are very different, but there is a common question: how can we make imaging available when conventional imaging infrastructure may not be readily accessible or moving the patient is difficult?
We encounter versions of that challenge here on Earth, from remote communities to mobile and long-term care environments. For me, the space mission offers an extreme example of rethinking where imaging can happen.
Reveal 35C was part of the system. Why was that meaningful for KA Imaging?
AK: Reveal 35C, powered by SpectralDR® technology, captures spectral information from a single X-ray exposure, generating conventional, bone-selective and soft-tissue images. Seeing our detector operate as part of a radiography system in such an unusual environment was an extraordinary moment for our team.
Has this changed how you think about the future of X-ray?
AK: It reinforced something we already believed: we should keep challenging assumptions about where imaging has to happen. The first X-ray in space is a milestone. The bigger idea, for me, is bringing imaging closer to where it is needed — whether that is hundreds of kilometres above Earth or much closer to home, enabling better visualization and helping save lives.
Learn more about Reveal 35C.