University of Saskatchewan

Published purpose

This project consists in testing a new portable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology in zero gravity aboard a jet aircraft flying parabolic trajectories. The experiment during the flight, and the associated ground development, will verify that the new MRI technology would provide useful muscle and bone images of astronauts during future spaceflight. Muscle and bone loss is one of the primary health risks of long-term astronaut space flight. An MRI in space will allow scientists to study countermeasures, like exercise and nutritional supplements intake, to reduce such loss. This MRI technology could also be used to increase the availability of MRI in health care on earth.