Remote work has become more common since the pandemic, but have you ever thought about working from a bathtub for ten days? That’s exactly what the European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for in a new experiment.
The study, called Vivaldi III, is the third in a series of experiments designed to understand how spaceflight affects the human body. It is being conducted at the Medes Space Clinic in Toulouse, France.
So, what does this experiment involve?
Not much, to be honest.
ESA explains: “During Vivaldi III, 10 volunteers lie down in containers similar to bathtubs covered with waterproof fabric. This keeps them dry and evenly suspended in water.”
Participants will be submerged up to their torsos, with their arms and heads above water. This setup creates a floating sensation similar to what astronauts feel in space.
It might sound easy, but there’s one major challenge. You’ve probably already guessed it—how do you use the bathroom?
ESA addresses this by saying: “For bathroom breaks, participants are temporarily transferred onto a trolley, maintaining their laid-back position at all times.”
Not exactly the most comfortable setup, but it’s all part of the experiment.
Volunteers will need to stay in the clinic for a total of 21 days. While they won’t be allowed visitors, they can use their phones to call or video chat with loved ones.
The Medes team states: “You can contact [your loved ones] as much as you like (as long as it fits into your schedule). However, you will not be able to receive visitors.”
Even though the actual bathtub part lasts 10 days, the extra time before and after is important for data collection. Participants will stay at the clinic except for some tests at Toulouse University Hospital.
So, what’s the reward? Volunteers will be paid $5,300 for their time.
Not bad, right? That is—if you’re okay with lying down in water for ten days straight.