# Limitations in Predicting Radiation-Induced Pharmaceutical Instability during Long-Duration Spaceflight

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges and knowledge gaps in predicting how space radiation affects pharmaceutical stability during long-duration space missions, emphasizing the need for dedicated research to ensure astronaut safety.

## Contribution

It highlights current limitations in understanding space radiation's impact on drugs and proposes targeted research to develop effective pharmaceutical solutions for future space exploration.

## Key findings

- Identifies gaps in current knowledge of space radiation effects on pharmaceuticals
- Emphasizes the importance of dedicated research efforts
- Calls for development of stable spaceflight pharmaceuticals

## Abstract

As human spaceflight seeks to expand beyond low-Earth orbit, NASA and its international partners face numerous challenges related to ensuring the safety of their astronauts, including the need to provide a safe and effective pharmacy for long-duration spaceflight. Historical missions have relied upon frequent resupply of onboard pharmaceuticals; as a result, there has been little study into the effects of long-term exposure of pharmaceuticals to the space environment. Of particular concern are the long-term effects of space radiation on drug stability, especially as missions venture away from the protective proximity of the Earth. Here we highlight the risk of space radiation to pharmaceuticals during exploration spaceflight, identifying the limitations of current understanding. We further seek to identify ways in which these limitations could be addressed through dedicated research efforts aimed towards the rapid development of an effective pharmacy for future spaceflight endeavors.