On October 1, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Joshua Kutyrk will launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and will be accompanied by innovative Canadian technology. Living and working in space poses challenges as the human body is not designed for low gravity, leading to various health issues, including the risk of blood clots. To address this concern, NASA is collaborating with the CSA to enhance astronaut safety in space.
Mathieu Caron, director of CSA’s astronaut office, highlighted the importance of understanding the risks associated with prolonged space travel, particularly the formation of blood clots. To tackle this issue, NASA has turned to Vancouver-based Response Biomedical for cutting-edge technology. One crucial instrument developed by Response Biomedical measures D-dimer in the blood, a protein fragment left behind after a clot, providing vital information for ground-based flight surgeons.
The device, known as Acute Care Testing in Space (ACTIS), adapted from the company’s RAMP technology, can not only detect blood clots but also screen for heart attacks, COVID-19, RSV, and more. The quick and efficient blood test can deliver results within minutes, aiding timely medical interventions both in space and on Earth.
Response Biomedical’s CEO, Taso Tsonis, emphasized the significance of portable and rapid testing, not only for space missions but also for healthcare in remote communities where immediate results are crucial. The potential success of ACTIS on the International Space Station opens doors for further applications beyond Earth’s orbit, aligning with NASA’s future plans for human space exploration.
Both Caron and Tsonis hailed the selection of ACTIS for the ISS as a testament to Canadian innovation and technology. Tsonis expressed optimism about the device’s future prospects, envisioning its potential deployment on future space missions to the moon and Mars. The collaboration between CSA and Response Biomedical signifies a milestone for Canada’s presence in space technology development and underscores the value of Canadian expertise in the global space exploration landscape.