Toulouse Study: Volunteers Simulate Spaceflight Conditions Through 10 Days of Bed Rest and Fasting

Toulouse – June 18, 2026: In Toulouse, ten healthy men began a 10-day study during which they simulated the effects of weightlessness and reduced food intake on the human body by remaining in bed and reducing calorie intake. This study was conducted in cooperation with the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and the Institute of Space Medicine and Physiology (MEDES).

The participants remained in bed for the entire duration of the study, with their feet slightly elevated above their heads to simulate a weightless environment. They consumed only 250 calories daily, consisting of a spoonful of honey, a cup of broth, and a cup of juice. This strict diet aimed to study the effects of reduced food intake under simulated weightlessness conditions.

The study aims to gain a deeper understanding of how the human body copes with the combination of weightlessness and reduced food intake, especially to provide a reference for future long-term space missions. The data obtained will help ensure astronauts’ health and work capacity during long stays in space.

Such research is crucial for understanding physiological changes occurring during long-term space missions. Previous studies have shown that the human body undergoes changes in the muscular and skeletal systems under weightless conditions. Researchers hope to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges astronauts face on long missions by combining these effects with reduced food intake.

The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights that are not only significant for the aerospace field but may also contribute to medical applications on Earth. For example, they may help better understand how the human body responds to extreme environments and what measures can be taken to reduce negative impacts.

This study is supervised by a team of doctors and scientists to ensure the participants’ health and safety throughout the experiment. All participants were rigorously screened and required to undergo regular medical examinations to confirm their suitability for the study.

The study is part of a broader program by CNES and the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at investigating the effects of long-term space stays on the human body and developing strategies to mitigate related impacts. Such research is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts in future space missions.

The study results are expected to be published in the coming months and may provide important insights for the future of space research and medical development.