Expiring medications could pose problem for Mars astronauts

Researchers say many drugs have shelf life of three years or less, with a mission expected to take about 36 months

When it comes to crewed missions to Mars there is no shortage of hazards, from space radiation to a hostile environment. Now researchers have found another snag: many of the medicines astronauts may take with them are likely to expire before they return to Earth.

Researchers say they have discovered a host of medications used in space have a shelf life of three years or less - a problem given Nasa expects a mission to Mars to take roughly 36 months.