Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutyrk is set to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida on October 1, carrying innovative Canadian technology with him. Living and working in space poses risks due to the body’s challenges in low gravity, including the potential for dangerous blood clots. To address this concern, NASA has partnered with Vancouver-based Response Biomedical to use their technology on the International Space Station.
The technology, known as Acute Care Testing in Space (ACTIS), is derived from Response Biomedical’s RAMP technology and can quickly detect D-dimer in blood, a crucial indicator for flight surgeons. This device is not only capable of identifying blood clots but can also test for various conditions like heart attacks, COVID-19, and RSV.
The portability and efficiency of the ACTIS device make it a valuable tool for space missions and potentially for remote communities on Earth where timely testing is essential. Response Biomedical’s CEO, Taso Tsonis, highlighted the significance of this Canadian-developed technology being utilized internationally and emphasized its potential for future space exploration missions beyond the ISS.
Both NASA and the Canadian Space Agency view the selection of ACTIS for the ISS mission as a testament to the quality and adaptability of Canadian technology. Tsonis expressed excitement about the technology’s role in advancing human space exploration and its positive impact in the current global landscape.