Mike Wall
Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.
Latest articles by Mike Wall
SpaceX launches Crew-9 astronauts from upgraded Florida pad to return Boeing Starliner crew home
By Mike Wall last updated
SpaceX launched a NASA astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut toward the ISS today (Sept. 28), on a mission unlike any other the company has flown.
Chinese rocket launches 8 satellites to orbit from ship at sea (video, photos)
By Mike Wall published
A Chinese Smart Dragon-3 rocket launched from a sea-based platform on Sept. 23, carrying eight remote-sensing satellites to orbit.
Japan launches spy satellite on penultimate mission of H-2A rocket
By Mike Wall published
Japan launched the IGS-Radar 8 spy satellite early Thursday morning (Sept. 26), on the second-to-last mission of the nation's venerable H-2A rocket.
SpaceX launches 20 Starlink internet satellites from California (video, photos)
By Mike Wall last updated
SpaceX launched 20 more of its Starlink broadband satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capability, from California early Wednesday morning (Sept. 25).
Tropical Storm Helene delays SpaceX's Crew-9 astronaut launch to Sept. 28
By Mike Wall published
SpaceX and NASA have delayed the Crew-9 astronaut launch from Thursday (Sept. 26) to no earlier than Saturday (Sept. 28) due to a strengthening tropical storm.
SpaceX stacks Starship megarocket ahead of 5th test flight (photos)
By Mike Wall published
SpaceX has stacked and tested its Starship megarocket ahead of the vehicle's fifth flight, which isn't expected to launch until late November.
SpaceX fishes Starship Super Heavy booster out of the sea (photo)
By Mike Wall published
SpaceX has retrieved from the sea the first-stage booster that flew on its latest Starship test flight, which launched this past June.
Astronauts, capsule for SpaceX's Crew-9 mission arrive at Florida launch site (photos)
By Mike Wall published
The astronauts and Crew Dragon capsule that will fly SpaceX's Crew-9 mission to the ISS have made it to Florida's Space Coast for their planned Sept. 26 liftoff.
International Space Station: Live updates
By Mike Wall published
Find out what's going on at the International Space Station.
Watch NASA astronaut, 2 record-breaking cosmonauts head home to Earth on Sept. 23
By Mike Wall published
A NASA astronaut and two record-setting Russian cosmonauts are set to head back to Earth on Monday (Sept. 23), and you can watch their homecoming live.
Boeing Space & Defense chief Ted Colbert is leaving: reports
By Mike Wall published
Ted Colbert will no longer be CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, according to media reports.
SpaceX practices for epic Starship booster catch attempt (photos)
By Mike Wall published
The next test flight of SpaceX's Starship megarocket will feature an attempt to catch the vehicle's first stage with the launch tower — and the company is practicing for the big moment.
SpaceX launches 20 Starlink satellites, lands rocket at sea (video)
By Mike Wall published
SpaceX launched yet another batch of its Starlink internet satellites to orbit today (Sept. 20), sending the spacecraft aloft from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
SpaceX blasts proposed FAA fines in complaint letter to Congress
By Mike Wall published
SpaceX has sent a letter to high-ranking Senate and House committee members contesting the $630,000 fine proposed by the FAA for alleged launch violations.
SpaceX fires up 6th Starship to prep for test flight (video, photo)
By Mike Wall published
SpaceX fired up the engines of its sixth Starship vehicle on Wednesday (Sept. 18) to gear up for a test flight that's probably still several months away.
Rocket Lab aborts launch of 5 'Internet of Things' satellites at last second (video)
By Mike Wall published
Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle appeared to fire up briefly today (Sept. 18) before shutting down, resulting in a launch abort.
SpaceX launches 2 European navigation satellites, lands rocket (video)
By Mike Wall last updated
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched two European navigation satellites tonight (Sept. 17) and then landed safely, acing its 22nd mission.
FAA plans to fine SpaceX $630,000 for alleged launch violations
By Mike Wall published
The FAA has proposed fining SpaceX more than $630,000 for allegedly failing to comply with regulations on two launches in 2023.
SpaceX's private Polaris Dawn astronauts splash down to end historic spacewalk mission (video)
By Mike Wall published
The four Polaris Dawn astronauts splashed down safely off the coast of Florida today (Sept. 15), bringing an end to their historic commercial mission.
'We just ran out of time': Boeing Starliner astronauts on why their spaceship returned to Earth without them
By Mike Wall published
The decision to send Boeing's Starliner capsule home uncrewed from the ISS was driven in part by time constraints, according to NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore.
SpaceX's private Polaris Dawn astronauts beam photos to Earth using Starlink satellites
By Mike Wall published
The private Polaris Dawn crew notched another milestone on Thursday (Sept. 12), beaming photos home using SpaceX's Starlink broadband satellites.
SpaceX's Starship won't be licensed to fly again until late November, FAA says
By Mike Wall published
SpaceX's Starship likely won't be able to fly again until late November at the earliest, because the FAA and partner agencies need more time for licensing reviews.
SpaceX launches 5 giant BlueBird smartphone satellites for AST SpaceMobile, lands rocket (video)
By Mike Wall published
AST SpaceMobile's first five giant commercial direct-to-cell satellites, huge spacecraft called BlueBirds, lifted off this morning (Sept. 12) atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
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