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
![an astronaut on the space station with the background blurry behind him](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sV5jpfGgsGZUZ4JsnjJ7Ld-320-80.jpg)
Streaks in space! ISS astronaut's incredible timelapse photos highlight ghostly solar panels and lovely star trails
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick has spent some of the last few months experimenting with long exposures in space photography. The images give a rare glimpse of life on the move in orbit.
![Illustration of a Polaris Dawn crewmember conducting the first-ever private spacewalk.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RcxpQm9zPPNBHC3hTSeepH-320-80.jpg)
SpaceX targeting July 31 for launch of historic Polaris Dawn astronaut mission
By Elizabeth Howell published
SpaceX is targeting July 31 for the launch of the four-astronaut Polaris Dawn mission, which will feature the first-ever private spacewalk.
![an astronaut looking at the sky in a simulated spacesuit helmet. on his right eye is a small screen used for augmented reality work](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A6DhcEuq8KBRWdZUSdQQYW-320-80.jpg)
NASA announces Artemis 2 moon mission backup astronaut — Andre Douglas will support 2025 lunar liftoff
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronaut Andre Douglas has been named the backup astronaut for three astronauts on NASA's round-the-moon mission. Douglas was certified for liftoff earlier this year.
![A white space capsule seen through a window in space, above Earth.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MSGLQi2vuwfCMJmUaWLXj4-320-80.jpg)
Boeing's Starliner can stay in space beyond 45-day limit, NASA says
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing's Starliner is rated to stay in space for 45 days on its historic first astronaut mission, but that's going to be extended soon. Ground testing on its thrusters will start as soon as July 2.
![a white rocket launches into a blue sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7XaRiDfGy9PZrRkQtxJnim-320-80.jpg)
Former cryptocurrency company plans reality TV competition to pick next Blue Origin spaceflight crew
By Elizabeth Howell published
A reality television series may follow a company's efforts to send the 1st Nigerian and others to space aboard a Blue Origin vehicle.
![rows of starlink satellites in the lower left portion of the image with Earth in the background and a slither of black space in the lower right side of the image.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sEoeyvUbZCESaRbMwNXGPi-320-80.jpg)
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.
![two images side by side. one is a rusty circular device. the second is a box with two circles on it, with dials](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bTtUNKkYj6uxZb46v2ucUj-320-80.jpg)
This mysterious ancient computer has a 'calendar ring' that followed the lunar year
By Elizabeth Howell published
A hand-powered calculator from 2,000 years ago, known as the Antikythera mechanism, had a calendar ring that likely followed the lunar year.
![A white space capsule seen through a window in space, above Earth.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MSGLQi2vuwfCMJmUaWLXj4-320-80.jpg)
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft still doesn't have a landing date, NASA says
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Boeing Starliner's spacecraft doesn't have a landing date, but the spacecraft is stable at the ISS and will remain there as a new round of testing begins.
![a robotic arm on a space station in an illustration. in back is the moon and in the distance, the earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/p4nkJDca35dnmm9j99mipR-320-80.jpg)
Canada begins work on new Canadarm3 robotic arm for upcoming Gateway lunar outpost
By Elizabeth Howell published
MDA Space's Canadarm3 should be ready for the NASA Gateway space station at the moon in 5 years with a new design and testing contract from the Canadian Space Agency.
![an astronaut waving their hand with a baseball in front while floating on the international space station. computers are in the background as well as an open door](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NHCMcQ34rgsit2LwgAAm3h-320-80.png)
NASA astronaut gives tips to Baseball Hall of Fame from ISS (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps says baseball games in space might have more spin. She spoke from the ISS as part of the Baseball Hall of Fame's Black Baseball Initiative.
![A white space capsule seen through a window in space, above Earth.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MSGLQi2vuwfCMJmUaWLXj4-320-80.jpg)
ISS astronauts take shelter in Boeing Starliner and other return spacecraft after June 26 satellite breakup
By Elizabeth Howell published
ISS astronauts retreated to three return spacecraft late on June 26 after a satellite breakup incident in a nearby orbit. NASA cleared the crew to return to their duties after 1 hour.
![a space plane lands on a runway](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ECPprp9JdMN9GS25Jr4EJk-320-80.jpg)
ULA delays Dream Chaser space plane launch to certify Vulcan Centaur rocket for US military missions
By Elizabeth Howell published
ULA will switch launches for its Vulcan Centaur rocket because the Dream Chaser space plane is not ready yet. Its next two launches will focus on national security certification.
![an astronaut in a spacesuit with helmet open](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/waLqXYsKXb7sgA8uM9b3V5-320-80.jpg)
NASA's oldest active astronaut Don Pettit to make 4th trip to ISS on Sept. 11
By Elizabeth Howell published
Don Pettit, NASA's oldest active astronaut and a space shuttle flyer, will return to space no earlier than Sept. 11 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
![an astronaut in a bulky white spacesuit is brought into a cramped laboratory from an airlock](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3Svrh9WQ9XeXHQunKY7f99-320-80.jpg)
ISS astronauts conduct 'spacewalk review' after spacesuit coolant leak
By Elizabeth Howell published
ISS astronauts are reviewing spacesuits and spacewalking procedures after a leak during a spacewalk on June 24. NASA's next spacewalk is still scheduled for July 2.
![a series of lightning strikes glowing on earth beside land, illuminated with lights](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rbZEMkXexRu9cLX5fC2nhc-320-80.jpg)
Sprites from space! Astronaut photographs rare red lightning phenomenon from ISS
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick caught a rare surprise while imaging an intense thunderstorm off the coast of South Africa. He spotted a red sprite, a rare type of lightning.
![an astronaut in a bulky white spacesuit is brought into a cramped laboratory from an airlock](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3Svrh9WQ9XeXHQunKY7f99-320-80.jpg)
NASA cancels ISS spacewalk due to spacesuit coolant leak (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Two NASA astronauts stopped their International Space Station spacewalk today (June 24) after a spacesuit coolant leak. The astronauts were still in the hatch when it happened.
![Boeing's white and blue Starliner spacecraft docked at the International Space Station in June 2024.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iLBhRkVaKaZYUmiqadzRMJ-320-80.jpg)
Will Boeing Starliner issues delay its 1st long-duration astronaut flight? It’s too soon to tell.
By Elizabeth Howell published
All issues encountered during the first astronaut mission of Boeing's Starliner capsule must be addressed before the vehicle is certified for long-duration crewed flights.
![three astronauts standing in a row in flight suits, smiling with their hands crossed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ru8odwLQnPsxYfjXNoVXGc-320-80.jpg)
Virgin Galactic announces international crew for flight on new Delta class space plane
By Elizabeth Howell published
Virgin Galactic announced a private mission with three researchers, which will fly no earlier than 2026 aboard the new Delta class of aircraft.
![Boeing's white and blue Starliner spacecraft docked at the International Space Station in June 2024.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iLBhRkVaKaZYUmiqadzRMJ-320-80.jpg)
NASA, Boeing delay Starliner astronaut landing to June 26 amid thruster issues
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing's Starliner will come back to Earth with its two astronauts no earlier than June 26. The four-day extension will allow for more thruster testing at the ISS.
![a cone-shaped spacecraft in space with earth visible on the left](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hQSEPuUQWGLK27MppSSr2J-320-80.jpg)
NASA and Boeing will discuss Starliner's delayed ISS departure today, and you can listen live
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA will talk about the delayed return to Earth of Boeing's Starliner capsule during a press conference today (June 18), and you can listen to it live.
![a cone-shaped spacecraft in front of a green aurora above the earth, which is in shadow](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qcdoypiEdyKRiHKc6WdT68-320-80.jpg)
Shine on, Starliner! Aurora glows green as astronauts test spacecraft ahead of return to Earth June 22 (image, video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing Starliner has seen its one-week test mission in space double to about two weeks. That allowed time for an incredible aurora show during thruster testing on June 15.
![an overhead shot of two astronauts smiling in a small windowed room of the international space station, surrounded by computers and a window](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jVkCLi7i86ZTNDKuB8Ty2U-320-80.jpg)
'Everything's a compromise:' How this NASA astronaut put Boeing's Starliner to the test (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronaut Bob Hines helped bring the first Boeing Starliner to the International Space Station. Now he's part of the large ground team supporting Crew Test Flight, which launched May 21.
![closeup view of a white rocket climbing into a blue sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oZsrQ49BxrnRuw9P9irrJT-320-80.jpg)
'They're going to test this thing from izzard to gizzard:' NASA hails success of Boeing's 1st Starliner astronaut launch
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing's Starliner capsule launched with astronauts on board for the first time today (June 5), and NASA celebrated the milestone.
![a white rocket launches on a sunny day above a plume of fire and smoke](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SdRNJMwradX64X6NnyvHjZ-320-80.jpg)
Boeing's Starliner launches astronauts for 1st time in historic liftoff (photos, video)
By Elizabeth Howell, Josh Dinner published
Boeing's Starliner capsule thundered to orbit today (June 5) with two astronauts on board, kicking off a crucial test flight for the company and for NASA.