SpaceX’s Fram2 mission crew took the first medical X-rays in orbit, while a trauma surgeon warns of post-COVID lung scarring, and travel experts outline which toys can trigger TSA security alarms.
SpaceX’s Fram2 mission, launched in late March 2025, marked a milestone in aerospace medicine when the crew used a portable X-ray machine to scan their bodies and equipment during a 3.5-day polar orbit. The images, transmitted to a computer and reviewed by the crew, demonstrated that in-orbit radiography is feasible. The study, published in Radiology, highlights X-rays’ potential to diagnose injuries and equipment issues, such as stress fractures in tools or potential holes in spacesuit gloves.
X-Rays in Space: A New Diagnostic Frontier
The Fram2 crew, trained for four hours before launch, captured X-rays of their hands, forearms, abdomen, pelvis, chest, and a smartwatch, achieving diagnostic quality. Sheyna Gifford, an assistant professor of aerospace medicine at Mayo Clinic and lead researcher, emphasized X-rays’ advantages over ultrasound, which requires a sound wave transmitting medium and skilled operators. “X-ray is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools in modern medicine because of its speed, accuracy, and ability to be operated by a broad range of people without the need of a sound transmitting medium,” she told Gizmodo. The mission’s success demonstrates the potential for using X-rays to monitor astronaut health and equipment integrity.
The X-ray generator sustained superficial damage during landing but its internal hardware and X-ray output were unaffected. Postflight scans by an operator who was not a member of the crew confirmed the in-flight images’ quality, with three independent radiologists rating them as diagnostic. Gifford noted the technology’s versatility: A spectral X-ray system can help address needs like checking spacesuit gloves, rock picks, and lunar mineral samples in the same set of equipment. The study’s findings mark an important step toward expanding diagnostic capabilities in space.
Post-COVID Lungs: A Silent Crisis
Meanwhile, trauma surgeon Dr. Brittany Bankhead-Kendall warned that post-COVID lung damage is significant. “Post-covid lungs look worse than any type of terrible smoker’s lung we’ve ever seen,” she said, citing chest X-rays showing dense scarring. In an interview, she explained that those who have had COVID-19 symptoms show a severe chest X-ray every time, and asymptomatic patients show a severe chest X-ray 70% to 80% of the time. “If you’re not feeling problems now, the fact that that’s on your chest X-ray is indicative of you possibly having problems later on,” she added.
Bankhead-Kendall shared images comparing healthy lungs (black for air), smoker’s lungs (white lines indicative of scarring), and COVID-19 lungs (filled with white). She urged survivors to stay in touch with their primary care doctor if experiencing shortness of breath. “Everyone’s just so worried about the mortality thing and that’s terrible and it’s awful. But man, and all the survivors and the people who have tested positive this is, it’s going to be a problem,” she said.
TSA’s Toy Restrictions: What to Avoid
Travelers face hurdles when packing gifts for children, as the TSA prohibits toys that resemble weapons or contain hazardous materials. Kevin Wagar, a family travel expert, reported that items like Nerf guns, water guns, cap guns, and realistic-looking toy pistols or rifles are absolute no-nos, as they can be mistaken for weapons on an X-ray. Baseball bats are considered “bludgeons,” while Magic 8 balls and snow globes can be restricted due to liquid limits. Slime and certain craft kits with tools like scissors or crochet needles may also fail inspection.
If an item doesn’t pass TSA muster, passengers are given options: throw it away, return to the airline counter to check it, or give it to someone who is not flying. Wagar explained that items such as realistic replica weapons could cause security to shut down a lane or checkpoint until a threat is cleared.
The Broader Implications
The three stories reflect developments in health, technology, and safety. The Fram2 mission’s success highlights X-rays’ potential for space medicine, while Bankhead-Kendall’s warnings underscore the lingering health impacts of the pandemic. Meanwhile, TSA’s toy restrictions highlight the challenges of navigating security rules. Each development raises questions about future preparedness and the need for ongoing vigilance.
As these stories evolve, the need for adaptability remains constant. Whether in orbit, a hospital, or an airport, the importance of accurate diagnostic tools and clear safety protocols is evident.
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