Astronauts took X-rays of a human body in space for the first time
Scientists have made a historic breakthrough in space medicine—for the first time, astronauts have obtained X-ray images of the human body directly in orbit. This technology could significantly change the approach to diagnosis and treatment during future long-duration space missions.
For the first time, astronauts in orbit have received X-ray images of their own bodies. Scientists note that the image quality is high, which will make it possible to detect injuries in astronauts in the future. In particular, this achievement is of great significance for future missions to the Moon.
For most of the space age, astronauts have relied solely on ultrasound machines to diagnose injuries. Unlike ultrasound, which requires a medium through which sound waves can travel, X-rays can be used in a vacuum.
However, X-ray machines are large, consume a lot of energy, and it is difficult to obtain high-quality images with them unless the body is immobilized. Furthermore, X-ray machines were often damaged during launch into space and reentry into the atmosphere.
As the number of spaceflights has increased and plans to explore the Moon are underway, the need for high-quality X-ray imaging in space is growing. Astronauts can sustain injuries both in orbit and on the Moon. American scientists have developed a new portable X-ray machine that can take high-quality images in space and is easy to use.
A successful test of this X-ray machine took place aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Astronauts took the world’s first X-rays of their bodies in space. Although this historic event took place in early April 2025, the results have only just been made public.
The first X-rays in space were taken by amateur astronauts—members of the Fram2 mission—who traveled to the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft and spent four days there. The astronauts took images of their hands, abdominal cavities, pelvises, and chests. These X-rays were recorded in digital format, allowing the astronauts to view them immediately.
After the images were transmitted to Earth, scientists compared the X-rays taken in orbit with similar images taken before the launch. They found that, although the X-rays taken on Earth were of higher quality, the images taken in space were of sufficient quality to diagnose injuries and bone fractures.
At the same time, the portable X-ray machine sustained minimal damage during reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Scientists note that this achievement will help expand diagnostic capabilities for assessing the health of astronauts in Earth orbit and on the Moon.
A description of the experiment’s results was published in the journal Radiology, according to Space.
Earlier, the NASA administrator visited Baikonur for the first time in eight years.
Prior to that, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorized SpaceX to resume Starship test flights following an investigation into the causes of the failure during the May launch of Starship V3.
