Canadian Space Agency Seeks Feasibility Study for D-dimer Testing on ISS

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) seeks to conduct a study to assess the feasibility of using a point-of- care, portable D-dimer testing device on the International Space Station (ISS). This contract could lead to further deployment activity support, should the feasibility study be conclusive.

The Work will involve the following: 1) To confirm, preliminarily, the technical feasibility of integrating a point-of-care D-dimer testing device into the ISS environment and to determine whether a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) device can be used without major redesign to operate safely and reliably in space, with attention to sample handling in microgravity.

2) To assess the feasibility for integration with existing spacecraft safety and system requirements, such as but not limited to, power, electromagnetic compatibility, thermal control, environmental, materials and processes and human factors, as well as launch, stowage and handling, crew installation and operations. 3) Developing a preliminary space concept for the use of the D-dimer testing device on ISS.

Following the feasibility assessment (tasks 1 to 3), additional work (optional tasks) could include: 4) To provide expert support to the CSA throughout the definition and implementation phases of the D-dimer payload. 5) To supply D-dimer testing hardware and associated consumables. 6) To support specific tests, as required by CSA and NASA.

Context: The ISS program recently identified the pressing need to monitor D-dimer levels in astronauts following the discovery of a thrombus in a crew member’s jugular vein during a vascular ultrasound study, suggesting a potential risk for spaceflight. D-dimer is a key biomarker for detecting excessive clot formation and breakdown in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

A high D- dimer level indicates increased clot activity, making it a valuable tool for assessing thrombotic conditions in the crew throughout the missions. The CSA is evaluating the feasibility of providing a Canadian D-dimer testing device for operational use on the ISS, to answer this need. To further the development of a concept for D-dimer testing capability onboard the ISS, the CSA requires technical support.

The contractor identified to perform this study owns a proprietary D-dimer testing device showing early indications that it could perform reliably in the ISS environment, which involves important technical and programmatic constraints such as microgravity and limited sample processing time and capability.