Developed in Canada: KA Imaging to Support the First Medical X-ray in Space
Waterloo, March 24, 2025 – The first X-ray machine to be used on astronauts in space features advanced detector technology developed in Canada. The SpaceXray research project is a collaboration between leading academic institutions, private companies, and technology innovators across North America, including KA Imaging, a Waterloo-based X-ray manufacturer.
KA Imaging’s innovative Reveal 35C X-ray detector was selected for the Fram2 mission, the first polar-orbit human spaceflight mission aimed at exploring Earth’s polar regions and advancing research critical to long-range space exploration.
The Health Canada and FDA-cleared Reveal 35C features SpectralDR technology, enabling dual-energy subtraction: with a single X-ray exposure, it provides three distinct images—soft tissue, bones, and a traditional digital radiograph.
“Reveal 35C is different from other regular X-ray detectors because, for every X-ray exposure, one can obtain spectral X-ray information that allows for quantitative imaging such as material identification,” explained Dr. Karim, co-founder and CTO of KA Imaging.
The SpaceX project aims to validate, for the first time, a protocol for safely and efficiently acquiring diagnostic radiographs in the microgravity and radiation environment of orbital flight. Researchers will assess image quality, contrast, and spatial resolution while focusing on bone mineral density measurements to monitor the effects of microgravity on astronauts’ bones. Beyond medical imaging, the project is also demonstrating the use of X-rays for non-invasive hardware testing, enabling in-flight troubleshooting of potential failures. As surface EVAs become more frequent, these advancements will play a crucial role in astronaut health monitoring, injury assessment, and mission safety by detecting structural issues in equipment.
MinXray, a Chicago-based leader in portable X-ray systems, is contributing its IMPACT system, which features a portable X-ray generator powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, eliminating the need for external power sources—an essential feature for space applications.
“This first X-ray in space will open the door for additional research and travel with the assurance that diagnostic imaging systems can operate during a space flight,” said Jeanne Walter, MinXray’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “Bone density loss is a significant concern in zero-gravity conditions, with astronauts losing 1-2 percent of the density in their hip and spine per month. The Fram2 mission marks the first step toward researching and overcoming this hurdle to longer and further space exploration.”
Medical X-rays have been used on Earth for more than 100 years, but until now, they haven’t been available for humans in space. Radiation exposure has long been a concern, as astronauts already face increased exposure to cosmic radiation. Additionally, the technical requirements of older X-ray machines have historically restricted their use to Earth-based settings.
The ultra-portable system proposed in the mission addresses both limitations, with lower mass, volume, and power requirements, and radiation doses now less than a thousandth of the career limit for astronauts.
“Ultrasound has been used as the primary imaging modality in space,” said Amol Karnick, co-founder and CEO of KA Imaging. “However, both X-ray and ultrasound serve distinct purposes, and the opportunity to finally integrate spectral X-ray technology into a spacecraft represents a significant step forward in expanding advanced medical capabilities beyond our planet,” added Amol.
To learn more about Reveal 35C, please visit www.kaimaging.com, or contact sa***@ka*******.com.
About KA Imaging:
A spin-off from the University of Waterloo, KA Imaging specializes in innovative X-ray imaging technologies and systems. Powered by patented SpectralDR technology, the company’s healthcare product line includes retrofit solutions and mobile systems with single exposure dual-energy subtraction, enhancing visualization of line and tube ends, retained surgical objects, pneumothorax, bedside pneumonia, cardiac calcium, and more. KA Imaging aims to improve image quality and achieve bone/tissue differentiation in mobile systems while maintaining the ease and simplicity of X-ray.
About MinXray:
Since 1967, MinXray, Inc. has been the leader in portable diagnostic X-ray imaging. The devices, available as complete portable systems, can be used in multiple applications where it is more efficient to bring the X-ray unit to the patient instead of the patient to the X-ray unit. MinXray products are used in a variety of medical, veterinary, and military applications. MinXray’s powerful, high frequency, lightweight portable units continue to be the “gold standard” for digital radiographic imaging.
About the mission:
Fram2 is the first polar-orbit human spaceflight mission designed to explore the polar regions of Earth in an entirely new way. It is named after the Fram ship, which was built in the 1800s and helped explorers first reach the Earth’s polar regions. Fram is Norwegian for “Forward” and was the name of the legendary ship designed to function in the icy polar waters used by some of the first crews to explore the Arctic in the late 1800s. The Fram2 crew consists of Mission Commander Chun Wang, Vehicle Commander Jannicke Mikkelsen, Mission Pilot Rabea Rogge, and Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Eric Philips. Each crewmember has significant experience exploring and capturing the polar regions and brings a unique expertise and perspective to support Fram2.
Fram2 has two main goals: to be the first crew to view and capture the Earth’s polar regions from low-Earth orbit and conduct research to help advance humanity’s capabilities for long-range space exploration. The 3-5 day mission will take place on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket no sooner than spring 2025. Follow the mission on social media via X (framonauts) and visit F2.com for updates.