In tight quarters, Artemis II astronauts stay fit with the flywheel

NPR | By Katia Riddle

Published April 8, 2026 at 5:47 PM EDT

The human body isn't meant to exist without gravity. The astronauts aboard Artemis II are combatting potential physiological damage using an elegantly engineered exercise machine called the flywheel.

Katia Riddle

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

Remembering drummer James Gadson, who worked with greats like Bill Withers

Megan Lim, Patrick Jarenwattananon

The drummer James Gadson has died. His funky, laid-back style appears on hit records from the 1970s onward.
What comes next for the Strait of Hormuz

Jackie Northam

Iran says it agreed to two weeks of safe passage for ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz, but most vessels are staying put until certain it's safe.
Light snowpack is setting up conditions for drought and fires in the U.S. West

Ellis Juhlin

The West has had one of the worst winters for snowpack on record. The lack of snow is causing drought across much of the reason and spelling trouble for communities.
NPR News

Once seen as a war hero, Australian ex-soldier will stand trial for alleged war crimes

Kristina Kukolja

Until a few years ago, Ben Roberts-Smith was one of Australia's most celebrated war heroes. But now, he will stand trial for alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan.
NPR News

Bill Gates will testify in the Epstein probe; Pam Bondi testimony postponed

Ava Berger

Bill Gates will appear before the House Oversight Committee in June. The Department of Justice said Wednesday that former Attorney General Pam Bondi will not testify for now.