Can you imagine spending 100 days in complete isolation, in a closed space, without contact with friends and family, under strict rules, and being in a small team completely separated from the outside world?
This is exactly how astronauts live – and that is the principle behind the “SOLIS100” study, which the German Aerospace Center (DLR) will conduct in Cologne from next spring. Volunteers are currently being sought, reports "Dlr.de".
DLR is looking for six volunteers who, as part of the “SOLIS100” study, will be confined to a research center for 100 days. The aim is to see how long-term isolation and confined space affect the body and psyche, in order to better prepare for future space missions. The expected compensation is 23 thousand euros, but not everyone can apply.
The study was initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA) to examine the effects of isolation on astronauts.
Like an astronaut, but without being in space
A trip to the Moon takes about three days, while a trip to Mars takes about six months – and that’s only when the Earth and Mars are in the right positions. Anyone who spends months traveling in a spacecraft or living in a place hundreds of thousands of kilometers away from home has to deal with extremely difficult conditions.
In addition to being in harmony with the crew members, it must also adapt to the habitat and the long distance from home. To manage resources rationally and perform tasks efficiently for the benefit of the mission.
This is precisely the goal of the "SOLIS100" study, which will assess the psychological and physical risks associated with long-term isolation and staying in closed spaces.
"Future space missions will go beyond Earth orbit and will target destinations further afield than the Moon and Mars. Given that these missions involve long periods of weightlessness, it is more important than ever to prepare astronauts for psychological and physiological challenges," said Ameile Ter, project leader for the "SOLIS100" project at the DLR Medical Institute. "Missions to the Moon and Mars require strong mental and physical endurance, and the ability to survive in isolated conditions and confined spaces. To ensure the success of such missions and the safety of astronauts, we need to fully examine the impact of these extreme circumstances on human health, behavior and performance."
What will the attitude of the participants be like?
The six selected volunteers will live for 100 days in a space that simulates a space station, and will have limited resources. The participants will follow a daily routine similar to that of astronauts. They will work together as a crew, perform scientific tasks, exercise and take care of their “space station”. All of this will be under 24-hour supervision by scientists.
Who can apply and under what conditions?
Members must have a profile similar to that of astronauts, so the criteria are very strict.
- Must be between 25 and 55 years old and be healthy and physically fit.
- At least a bachelor's degree is required, while higher education and specialized knowledge are an advantage.
- Medical and psychological suitability will be assessed through questionnaires, tests and detailed examinations.
- Since the language of work and study is English, excellent knowledge of the language is required.
- Health insurance must be valid.
- Citizens coming from outside the EU and the European Economic Area must have a visa and residence permit for a long-term stay (longer than 90 days), while they are responsible for their own travel insurance.
Program duration and applications
The program is scheduled to begin on April 6, 2026, and end on August 7. Including the preparation and recovery phase, the “SOLIS100” study will last a total of 126 days: two weeks of preparation, 100 days of isolation, seven days of recovery, and two follow-up medical check-ups – after 30 days and at the latest after six months.
Applications are open until December 12, 2025. through the official DLR website.