Elizabeth Howell
Elizabeth Howell (she/her), Ph.D., was a staff writer in the spaceflight channel between 2022 and 2024 specializing in Canadian space news. She was contributing writer for Space.com for 10 years from 2012 to 2024. Elizabeth's reporting includes multiple exclusives with the White House, leading world coverage about a lost-and-found space tomato on the International Space Station, witnessing five human spaceflight launches on two continents, flying parabolic, working inside a spacesuit, and participating in a simulated Mars mission. Her latest book, "Why Am I Taller?" (ECW Press, 2022) is co-written with astronaut Dave Williams.
Latest articles by Elizabeth Howell
SpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellites from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base, lands rocket (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Sept. 12, adding to a constellation of more than 6,300 operational satellites.
Boeing’s Starliner astronauts speak publicly today for 1st time in 2 months: Watch it live
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing Starliner's historic first mission with astronauts did not turn out as planned. Starliner's 2 NASA astronauts will share their experiences from the ISS today (Sept. 13).
SpaceX's private Polaris Dawn astronauts talk US flag and kids' books from orbit on historic spaceflight (videos)
By Elizabeth Howell published
The Polaris Dawn crew called down to Earth to honor the anniversary of 9/11, and to do a book-reading event to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
NASA's Voyager 1 probe swaps thrusters in tricky fix as it flies through interstellar space
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA's most distant spacecraft had a critical thruster problem far from home. Fixing it required a long-distance call to overcome extreme cold and dwindling power.
Soyuz rocket launches new US-Russian crew of 3 to ISS (video)
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
A Russian Soyuz rocket launched three astronauts toward the International Space Station today (Sept. 11), setting a new record for humans in orbit.
Space MacGyver: NASA astronaut and inventor Don Pettit eager to return to ISS on Sept. 11
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA's oldest active astronaut, Don Pettit, is set to return to space on Sept. 11. In his spare ISS time, he is known for stunning photography and tinkering with engineering.
Boeing's Starliner capsule just landed with no crew aboard. What's next for this astronaut taxi?
By Elizabeth Howell published
Starliner's recently completed Crew Flight Test mission faced several technical problems in space. Will NASA certify the spacecraft for long-duration astronaut flights?
Boeing Starliner departs ISS without its astronaut crew. How to watch it land on Earth tonight
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Boeing's Starliner capsule will depart the ISS without astronauts today (Sept. 6), and you can watch the action live.
'We're confident in it': Boeing Starliner's parachute team readies for Crew Flight Test landing without astronauts on Sept. 7
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing Starliner's parachutes will be tested once more during an uncrewed test on Sept. 7. It was originally supposed to host astronauts, but NASA changed the plan mid-mission.
NASA astronauts can't wear Boeing Starliner spacesuits in SpaceX's Dragon. Here's why
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA's Starliner astronauts will temporarily have an emergency spot available on a SpaceX Crew Dragon, but they can't wear spacesuits there. That will change in a few weeks.
Boeing Starliner astronauts have years of medical studies helping them with longer stay in space
By Elizabeth Howell published
Starliner's astronauts will spend at least 8 months in space, longer than a typical ISS crew. But numerous other astronauts have safely spent a year on the ISS, or even longer.
'There was some tension in the room', NASA says of decision to bring Boeing's Starliner spacecraft home without astronauts
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will fly back to Earth for a landing on Sept. 7, but without its crew. Its two astronauts will ride home on SpaceX Crew Dragon in February 2025.
The pieces of NASA's next 3 Artemis moon missions head to Florida launch site (photos)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Pieces for the Artemis 2, 3 and 4 moon missions are all bound for NASA's Kennedy Space Center after manufacturing in the U.S. and in Europe. They'll journey by sea to get there.
'Deadpool & Wolverine' has a sneaky Canadarm robot arm cameo at the end of time — but blink and you'll miss it
By Elizabeth Howell published
The iconic Canadarm space robot makes a brief appearance in "Deadpool & Wolverine," a film that features fellow Canadian Ryan Reynolds.
Former U.S. Navy Seal Jonny Kim will be 1st Korean-American astronaut on ISS in March 2025
By Elizabeth Howell published
U.S. Navy lieutenant and NASA astronaut Jonny Kim will board a Russian Soyuz spacecraft to fly to the ISS for an eight-month mission in 2025.
NASA cuts 2 astronauts from SpaceX Crew-9 mission to make room for Boeing Starliner crew
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA's Crew-9 mission now has only 2 astronauts instead of 4. The last-minute change gives room to return 2 astronauts on the ISS who needed a new ride home.
Archaeologists find huge, 2,500-year-old Egyptian astronomy observatory
By Elizabeth Howell published
An Egyptian dig uncovered a massive building that shows considerable evidence of astronomy observations, including a sundial and features meant to track the sun and stars.
Astronaut John McFall carries Paralympic flag at opening ceremony Aug. 28
By Elizabeth Howell published
John McFall, a Paralympian medalist in 2008 and a reserve astronaut with the European Space Agency, carried the games' official flag during opening ceremonies Aug. 28.
What time is Blue Origin's private NS-26 astronaut launch on Aug. 29 (and how to watch live)
By Elizabeth Howell published
A Blue Origin rocket will launch a new private astronaut mission to suborbital space this week. Here's what time and where to watch.
Astronaut John McFall explains how the Paralympic Games shaped his space career (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
John McFall, a reserve astronaut with the European Space Agency, says he is 'not a great competitor.' But he transformed his Paralympics race in 2008 into a career-boosting moment.
SpaceX Polaris Dawn astronauts will conduct high-flying research in Earth orbit
By Elizabeth Howell published
Polaris Dawn has lots of science on board. The SpaceX mission will fly high in Earth orbit to investigate how the human body changes under the extreme conditions of space.
SpaceX's private Polaris Dawn mission will set altitude record for female astronauts
By Elizabeth Howell published
Two women astronauts on Polaris Dawn are set to break an altitude record set in 1990. Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon will fly higher than any female astronaut before them.
JUICE: A complete guide to Jupiter's icy moon exploring mission
By Tereza Pultarova last updated
Reference The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or JUICE, is a European Space Agency mission to explore Jupiter and three of its icy moons: Europa, Callisto and Ganymede.
How SpaceX modified a Dragon crew capsule for Polaris Dawn's historic private spacewalk
By Elizabeth Howell published
SpaceX made several design changes to its Crew Dragon capsule to accommodate the first private spacewalk on the upcoming Polaris Dawn mission. Here are the key ones.
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