It might seem like a dream: getting paid to… lie down. But it's no joke. The Toulouse Institute of Space Medicine is looking for volunteers for a special scientific experiment and is offering a stipend of 5,000 euros.
The research is being carried out by the Institut de Médecine et de Physiologie Spatiales (MEDES) in Toulouse, in collaboration with the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES), and will be conducted in June 2026. A total of ten men will be selected, who will participate in a 20-day study.
However, it is not for Everyone. applicants must:
- To be men
- Exercise at least 3 hours a week
- Have a BMI between 20 and 26
- Not to smoke
- Have no dietary restrictions
- Be in excellent health.
The goal is to simulate the physical profile of an astronaut as closely as possible. As the study's authors point out, in addition to physical fitness, mental toughness and a genuine interest in science are also required.
The "easy" part isn't so easy after all
The volunteers' mission has two main challenges:
Almost complete fasting
Participants will consume just 250 Calories per day – about 10% Of a man’s normal needs. the Daily “menu” Is limited to:
- A spoonful of honey
- A juice
- A broth
Ten days lying in simulated microgravity
The volunteers will remain in a supine position at all times, with their legs slightly higher than their heads, to simulate the microgravity conditions experienced by astronauts in space.
Pioneering space research
The study is the first to simultaneously examine the effects of fasting and microgravity on the human body. Scientists will study:
- The memory
- The stress level
- Muscle mass
- Brain function
The goal is to simulate an extreme food shortage scenario that a crew on a space mission could face.
Experts warn that participants may experience muscle loss, extreme hunger and weakness. However, medical staff will be at their side 24 hours a day and the process can be stopped immediately if any danger arises.
This is not the first time that MEDES has conducted similar experiments. In the past, it has conducted "dry immersion" research, aiming to understand the body's response to space conditions.
Those who believe they can endure 20 days with minimal food and 10 days of near immobility can apply through the official MEDES website.
5,000 euros for 20 days in bed – after all, it's probably not as simple as it sounds.
