China's Astronaut Center Recruits Volunteers for 60-Day Bed Rest Study
Summary: On May 6, 2026, China's Astronaut Research and Training Center announced recruitment for the "Dixing-3" bed rest experiment via the official WeChat account "Our Space" (我们的太空). Volunteers will spend 15 to 60 days in continuous 6° head-down bed rest to help scientists understand the physiological effects of long-duration microgravity and develop countermeasures for astronauts on China's space station.
The experiment, scheduled to run from May to August 2026 in Beijing, uses head-down bed rest at a 6° tilt angle to simulate the microgravity environment of spaceflight. This established research method is critical for studying the effects of weightlessness on the human body and validating protective measures for long-duration space missions.
Volunteers will be randomly divided into a control group and an exercise group: the control group will undergo 15 days of bed rest, while the exercise group will undergo 30 days, with possible extensions up to a maximum of 60 days depending on experimental progress. All participants must maintain the 6° head-down or head-up position continuously, eating, drinking, and all daily activities conducted in bed. The exercise group will follow a daily rehabilitation training regimen simulating the in-orbit exercise routines used by astronauts aboard China's space station.
Eligibility: The study seeks male Chinese citizens aged 30-55, standing 160-175 cm tall, with BMI between 18.5 and 26, and with at least a junior high school education. Exclusion criteria include bone and joint diseases, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and liver or kidney diseases.
Compensation: Participants who complete the full experiment receive 20,000 to 70,000 yuan (approximately $2,800 to $9,800), with the specific amount varying based on duration and group assignment. Early withdrawal results in no compensation.
Bed rest experiments are a cornerstone of space medicine research, providing essential data for protecting astronaut health during long-duration missions aboard China's Tiangong Space Station.