After growing plants in space for years, NASA research could help astronauts grow medicines on demand, starting with tobacco and a harmless virus

NASA study shows a tobacco relative paired with a harmless plant virus could produce therapeutic proteins in space, serving as a living pharmaceutical factory.

The approach aims to reduce reliance on medicine supplies from Earth during long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

NASA's plant research on the ISS previously focused on growing crops like lettuce, radishes, and chilli peppers for food and life support.

A Mars mission lasting years cannot rely on emergency resupply, and space radiation may degrade medicines over time.