Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutyrk is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Oct. 1, equipped with cutting-edge Canadian technology. Space living presents numerous challenges due to the effects of low gravity on the human body. Blood clots are a significant concern for astronauts, prompting NASA to seek ways to assess and mitigate this risk.
To address this issue, NASA has enlisted the expertise of Vancouver-based Response Biomedical. The company’s Acute Care Testing in Space (ACTIS) device, derived from its RAMP technology, can detect D-dimer levels in the blood, a crucial indicator of clot formation. This portable device offers rapid results, enabling quick medical interventions for various conditions, including blood clots, heart attacks, and infectious diseases like COVID-19.
The efficiency and reliability of ACTIS make it invaluable not only for space missions but also for healthcare in remote communities on Earth. Response Biomedical’s CEO, Taso Tsonis, emphasized the device’s potential impact on improving medical testing accessibility and speed.
The successful deployment of ACTIS on the International Space Station represents a significant milestone for Canadian innovation. As Kutyrk prepares to test the technology in space, there is optimism that ACTIS could play a role in future space exploration missions to the moon and Mars. Both NASA and Response Biomedical view this collaboration as a testament to Canada’s technological capabilities and global contributions in the field of space research.