KA Imaging, a company headquartered in Waterloo, has made international headlines for a remarkable breakthrough in medical technology. Recently, they made huge strides by capturing the first-ever medical X-ray image in space! The team reached this unprecedented milestone through the creation of a new type of multi-image X-ray detector. This detector is one of three identical detectors that comprise the SpaceXray project, which unites 22 studies into a highly advanced mission.
KA Imaging’s X-ray receiver, about the size of a large laptop, is profoundly different. One drawback is that unlike X-ray, it can’t tell the difference between bones and soft tissues, like the lungs and heart. This feature is extremely essential in diagnosing life-threatening diseases, such as lung cancers or pneumonia. The device doesn’t just shine in diagnostics, it’s equally remarkable at monitoring bone mineral density in astronauts. This is an important aspect of this feature because microgravity has been shown to greatly impact bone health.
Just after midnight EST last Wednesday, that same person posted the X-ray image on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This event was a historic moment for both space exploration and medical imaging.
Amol Karnick, CEO of KA Imaging, said this was an exciting milestone for the company.
“This is the first X-ray ever done in space.” – Amol Karnick
KA Imaging’s XR-28 imaging receiver is incredibly portable. This unique characteristic allows its use on large rolling equipment as well as rigging aboard spacecraft. Such versatility increases astronauts’ abilities to diagnose medical problems or check the quality of repairs performed on spacecraft during missions. These technological innovations help improve safety and health care on Earth.
Sheyna Gifford, a member of the SpaceXray team, was focused on the bigger picture possibilities this new technology could unlock.
“We’re grateful to the crew and immensely proud that life in space will be safer and better because of this technology,” – Sheyna Gifford
What Gifford focused on was the ability of this new technology to help the people who live on Earth too.
“Let’s make life on Earth better because of it, too.” – Sheyna Gifford
KA Imaging’s revolutionary approach to imaging holds promise not only for astronauts but for remote and underserved areas on Earth. By increasing access to cutting-edge diagnostic technology, the company hopes to take major steps toward closing the healthcare accessibility gap.
