A team of commercial spaceflight crew members has successfully captured the first diagnostic X-ray images in orbit using a portable wireless device, marking a significant advance in medical care for future long-duration space missions.
The findings, published in the journal Radiology by the Radiological Society of North America, show that the images produced in space matched the quality of those taken on Earth. Researchers said the in-flight X-rays demonstrated comparable image clarity, spatial resolution and contrast, offering strong evidence that portable imaging systems could become a valuable part of future space missions.
As human spaceflight becomes more common and missions extend for weeks or months, scientists are working to equip astronauts with medical tools that reduce their dependence on Earth-based support. Portable diagnostic equipment is considered an important step toward treating illnesses and injuries while in orbit or during deep-space travel.
The study involved non-medical crew members aboard a commercial SpaceX mission who were trained to operate the compact imaging system. After only four hours of instruction before launch, the participants successfully obtained diagnostic-quality radiographs during the mission.
Researchers noted that one of the biggest challenges was positioning patients in microgravity, where the absence of normal gravity makes body movement difficult to control. Images of the chest, abdomen and pelvis were harder to position correctly than scans of the hand or forearm. Despite this obstacle, the system consistently produced images suitable for medical evaluation.
The research also found that radiation exposure from the portable device was similar to levels associated with standard clinical X-ray examinations on Earth, suggesting that the technology can be used safely in space.
Lead researcher Sheyna Gifford of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota said aerospace medicine has long sought reliable imaging tools beyond ultrasound for diagnosing injuries and illnesses during spaceflight. She explained that conventional X-ray machines are too large for spacecraft, emit higher levels of radiation and often struggle to capture clear images when movement occurs, making their use in orbit impractical.
The portable SpaceXray system was tested during a SpaceX commercial mission launched on March 31, 2025, which lasted three days and 14 hours. Although the X-ray generator suffered minor structural damage during landing and recovery, its internal components remained intact and continued to function normally.
Researchers believe the technology could serve purposes beyond medical care. Portable X-ray systems may help inspect spacecraft electronics, spacesuits and other mission equipment without dismantling them, improving safety during extended missions.
The team also said the technology has promising applications on Earth, particularly in remote regions, disaster response, military operations and healthcare facilities with limited resources. Portable digital radiography could expand access to disease screening, including tuberculosis detection, while providing faster diagnostic services in areas lacking traditional medical imaging equipment.
