Measurement of bone mineral density in space

The purpose of the Advanced Multiple Projection Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (AMPDXA) Scanning System project is to design, build, and test a precision scanner system for monitoring the deleterious effects of weightlessness on the human musculoskeletal system during prolonged spaceflight. The instrument uses dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) principles and is designed to measure bone mineral density (BMD), decompose soft tissue into fat and muscle, and derive structural properties (cross-sections, moments of inertia). Such data permits assessment of microgravity effects on bone and muscle and the associated fracture risk upon returning to planetary gravity levels. Multiple projections, coupled with axial translation, provide three-dimensional geometric properties suitable for accurate structural analysis. This structural analysis, coupled with bone models and estimated loads, defines the fracture risk. The scanner will be designed to minimize volume and mass (46-kg goal), while maintaining the required mechanical stability for high-precision measurement. The AMPDXA will be able to detect changes less than 1% in bone mass and geometry and changes less than 5% in muscle mass.