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

Katia Riddle is a correspondent at NPR covering mental health. She has reported extensively on the impact of events such as Hurricane Helene, Los Angeles wildfires and the loneliness epidemic. Prior to her current role, she covered public health including reproductive rights and homelessness. She won a 2024 Gracie Award for a series on reproductive rights.

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

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

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