Crewed missions to Mars face hazards like space radiation and a hostile environment.

Long-duration space missions beyond the ISS could face challenges with medication expiration due to limited shelf lives of drugs, especially for Mars missions where over half of medications, including pain relievers and antibiotics, may expire before the mission concludes.

Expired prescription drugs like insulin and nitroglycerin can become more harmful, while others like ibuprofen may lose efficacy, posing risks to astronauts on long space missions.

A list of medications on the ISS, similar to those needed for a Mars mission, was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request to assess potential medication expiration challenges.

Expiration dates of medications on the ISS refer to drugs in their original packaging, and repackaging onboard could shorten their shelf lives, adding complexity to medication management.

Data analysis revealed that a significant number of medications on the ISS list, including painkillers, antibiotics, and an antipsychotic, would expire within 36 months, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of medication supplies in space.

Dr. Dan Buckland from Duke University School of Medicine emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of expired medications, underscoring the potential risks associated with using drugs past their shelf life.

Authors of the study recommend strategies to address the impact of expired medications on Mars missions, such as bringing additional medications onboard and carefully selecting drugs to mitigate risks associated with administering expired medicines.

Real-time communication and resupply mechanisms on the ISS play a crucial role in managing minor health issues promptly, a luxury not available on extended Mars journeys where medication expiration poses a more significant challenge.

NASA's non-disclosure of ISS medications and the study's exclusion of NASA involvement indicate a focus on understanding medication longevity specifically for Mars missions, highlighting the need for independent research in space medicine.