Elizabeth Howell
Elizabeth Howell (she/her), Ph.D., is a staff writer in the spaceflight channel since 2022 covering diversity, education and gaming as well. She was contributing writer for Space.com for 10 years before joining full-time. Elizabeth's reporting includes multiple exclusives with the White House and Office of the Vice-President of the United States, an exclusive conversation with aspiring space tourist (and NSYNC bassist) Lance Bass, speaking several times with 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?", is co-written with astronaut Dave Williams. Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota, a Bachelor of Journalism from Canada's Carleton University and a Bachelor of History from Canada's Athabasca University. Elizabeth is also a post-secondary instructor in communications and science at several institutions since 2015; her experience includes developing and teaching an astronomy course at Canada's Algonquin College (with Indigenous content as well) to more than 1,000 students since 2020. Elizabeth first got interested in space after watching the movie Apollo 13 in 1996, and still wants to be an astronaut someday. Mastodon: https://qoto.org/@howellspace
Latest articles by Elizabeth Howell
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.
Boeing Starliner 1st astronaut flight: Live updates
By Elizabeth Howell, Tariq Malik last updated
Boeing moving toward a June 1 launch of its first-ever Starliner astronaut mission for NASA.
'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.
Blue Origin space tourist launches: Live mission updates
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Blue Origin's next space tourist mission hasn't yet been announced yet. Here are live updates of what we know.
Starlink satellites: Facts, tracking and impact on astronomy
By Tereza Pultarova, Elizabeth Howell last updated
Reference Starlink satellites have been developed by SpaceX to provide internet to remote locations. Here we explore the controversial megaconstellation in more detail.
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.
The best sci-fi movies and TV shows to stream on Disney Plus in September
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Here are the best space and science fiction movies and TV shows to watch on Disney Plus in September.
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.
Polaris Dawn mission: Meet the crew taking 1st commercial spacewalk
By Elizabeth Howell published
Veteran astronaut Jared Isaacman, a billionaire, is funding and flying on SpaceX Polaris Dawn with three other astronauts. Here who is going to space.
Polaris Dawn: Everything you need to know about the 1st mission of the Polaris Program
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Reference Polaris Dawn is the first of three missions of the Polaris Program. The mission will fly on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and be commanded by Jared Isaacman.
Orange you glad there's fruit in space? These astronauts sure are (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick takes a dramatic bite of an orange slice in a new video, illustrating the joy of receiving rare fresh fruit deliveries on the ISS.
Mental health in space: ISS experiments help keep astronauts happy off Earth
By Elizabeth Howell published
From VR to skin sensors, here's a glimpse at some of the technology aiding the mental health of astronauts on the International Space Station.
Supermoon: what is it and when is the next one?
By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated
Reference Learn what makes a supermoon unique, how it impacts the moon's brightness, and when you can catch the next one in our ultimate supermoon guide.
How satellites could protect archaeology sites vulnerable to climate change
By Elizabeth Howell published
Archaeology sites buried under the earth are vulnerable to climate change and urban sprawl. Satellites might be able to help monitor the impact of these issues, a study suggests.
Para-astronaut John McFall hopes to see an ISS astronaut with a disability fly by 2030 (exclusive, video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
John McFall, a reserve U.K. para-astronaut with the European Space Agency, recently participated in a feasibility study for ISS astronauts with disabilities. He told Space.com what's coming next.
SpaceX launches 116 satellites on epic Transporter 11 rideshare mission, lands rocket (video)
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
SpaceX's latest launch, Transporter 11, sent a set of payloads into space aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Here's what Boeing Starliner astronauts are doing on the ISS as NASA works on their ride home
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA's Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are not idle while awaiting the decision on the conclusion of the first-ever astronaut mission aboard Boeing Starliner.
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