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
![a piece of fairing to the left of a set of stacked starlink satellites. earth is below](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MUjTWB5bWCkmwG6aRFedLJ-320-80.jpg)
Fall back to Earth with Falcon 9 payload fairings in stunning new SpaceX video
By Elizabeth Howell published
A recent SpaceX Starlink launch featured an extra video treat: a view of the Internet satellites being revealed for future Internet service. But Starlink's effects on astronomy still causes concern.
![a black and white spacex rocket launches into a night sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UxHRDWtxMZ5NPnkME4EGbA-320-80.jpg)
SpaceX launches 20 Eutelsat OneWeb broadband satellites to orbit (video)
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
SpaceX launched another set of Eutelsat OneWeb internet satellites to space early Sunday morning (Oct. 20).
![a box with the words "sierra space" on it and a couple of hoses](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MfiqZ9tUuqYifcHwT2Zu5A-320-80.jpg)
Like Wall-E, this lovable trash compactor will help ISS astronauts take out the garbage (photo)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Garbage is a growing problem for astronaut missions on the ISS. As NASA seeks to send people to the moon later this decade, Sierra Space is ready to test a trash compactor on the ISS in 2026.
![a view of the side of a spacecraft with a fin, in space, with colorful plumes from rocket exhaust surrounding](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jZGj4BQE4TkQJ4NhboJymC-320-80.jpg)
Relive SpaceX's epic Starship launch (and rocket catch) in these jawdropping photos and video
By Elizabeth Howell published
The fifth flight test of SpaceX's Starship megarocket on Oct. 13 demonstrated not only great engineering but also some amazing photography. Here are some of the best shots.
![a cone-shaped spacecraft visible through a space station window. behind is earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s4JRYQCHCFQ6LUdQeicQ5o-320-80.jpg)
When will Boeing’s Starliner fly astronauts again? NASA still doesn’t know
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA is still unsure when it will next put astronauts on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which experienced issues during its first crewed test flight this summer.
![a space station hangs in black](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cRRqZguM2iX38GsQppG3q6-320-80.jpg)
ISS leaks among 50 'areas of concern' for astronaut safety: report
By Elizabeth Howell published
Troubleshooting the leaking ISS is ongoing, with NASA and Russia now identifying 50 "areas of concern" and four cracks, according to a media report.
![a streak of a rocket lifting off into the darkness of night with the moon shining overhead](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iBEY4PomZgphFRBPkpRuy9-320-80.jpg)
SpaceX launches 100th rocket of 2024 during Starlink doubleheader (video, photos)
By Elizabeth Howell published
SpaceX launched two Starlink satellite missions just hours apart today (Oct. 15), one of which was the company's 100th liftoff of the year.
![image of the space shuttle and canadarm above earth with an inset image of an astronaut at the controls of the shuttle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AGTnWxAaSicGBW6KrjxnZU-320-80.jpg)
Snatching a spinning spacecraft was 'the greatest pride' for 1st Canadian astronaut in space (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau flew three times in space, conducting some tricky Canadarm robotic arm moves. On the 40th anniversary of his first flight, he celebrates how far Canada has come.
![a picture of a large, square building with grey-black clouds looming overhead](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/w8HnX3mx7G23vzSihyq2kk-320-80.jpg)
NASA secures Europa Clipper probe as Hurricane Milton sweeps over Kennedy Space Center (photos)
By Elizabeth Howell published
The Europa Clipper probe rode out the arrival of Hurricane Milton Oct. 9 inside a SpaceX hangar, as NASA's Kennedy Space Center experienced strong winds.
![a hurricane and clouds visible on earth. in front is space station infrastructure, a solar panel and a robotic arm](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5Qcnj8fy3eXWdhyHM3pnAa-320-80.jpg)
Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida with Category 5 strength in new ISS footage (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida as soon as Wednesday (Oct. 9), with Category 5 force. NASA's Kennedy Space Center and several space missions will be affected.
![The Hera spacecraft is seen after separating from its Falcon 9 rocket with a stunning crescent Earth in the background after launch on Oct. 7, 2024.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CRqtaQawmNEPzHNi9BokTA-320-80.jpg)
SpaceX rocket launches Europe's Hera planetary defense probe to visit asteroid smacked by NASA
By Elizabeth Howell published
Hera launched Oct. 7 atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, on a mission to study the asteroid that NASA's DART spacecraft smashed into in September 2022.
![image of a satellite with one solar panel over the united states, with the black of space and the curve of earth visible](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uV23oJo9hSZb3XXcpTgWJn-320-80.jpg)
Ancient ruins are under threat. Here's how archaeologists are getting help from space (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Climate change and urbanization are threatening ancient sites around the world. As archaeologists fight back, satellites are among the tools they use.
![an astronaut in spacesuit floating near the international space station. visible near him are solar panels and several modules](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qB2AR6tXWoxYnw3dZ2uZ98-320-80.jpg)
Top 'safety risk' for the ISS is a leak that has been ongoing for 5 years, NASA audit finds
By Elizabeth Howell published
The ISS has been dealing with a leak in its Russian segment since 2019. As NASA and Roscosmos work to solve it, a new report says the leak is a primary 'safety risk' to operations.
![four people in white spacesuits with the visors up pose and smile in front of a white cone-shaped spacecraft](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FjrChGV4cqwyY9rx5yNr2c-320-80.jpg)
'I think it was hard not to watch that rocket lift off without thinking, that's my rocket and that's my crew.' How the NASA astronauts bumped from SpaceX's Crew-9 watched their ride launch without them
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson were expected to launch on SpaceX's Crew-9 mission on Sept. 28. Still on Earth, they spoke about how they're feeling.
![a forest surrounds a large pyramid and other buildings in an aerial view](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RyjxFP5MY2yxDKkSTWjk4N-320-80.jpg)
Why space archaeologists are finding more Mayan ruins than ever before (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
More Mayan sites have been found in the last 10 years than in the preceding 150. Here's how space technology is helping archaeologists uncover ancient ruins.
![a rocket lifting off into the sky with a plume of smoke and fire below](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JE65HEp6mDkVsWmbUuvz3-320-80.jpg)
Watch SpaceX launch Crew-9 astronaut mission to the ISS
By Elizabeth Howell published
SpaceX will launch two astronauts toward the International Space Station today (Sept. 28), and you can watch the action live.
![four astronauts in spacesuits standing side by side and smiling](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/R6QpUXpV6S4EPAmLpwhsUL-320-80.jpg)
SpaceX Crew-9 dropped 2 NASA astronauts from ISS mission, but they were prepared (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Only 2 astronauts will launch to the ISS Sept. 26 with SpaceX instead of the planned 4. We spoke with the crew before the big change was made.
![a jet plane landing on a runway accompanied by another plane behind it, in mid-air. the image is in black and white due to age. bare trees are visible in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LqrLpCTVLdVRvz5w7Mgw3j-320-80.jpg)
How Canada is preserving what remains of its iconic supersonic Avro Arrow jet
By Elizabeth Howell published
Canada's Avro Arrow supersonic jet was suddenly canceled in 1959, a controversial decision that benefited NASA. How is Canada preserving the few pieces of the aircraft that remain?
![two astronauts in spacesuits with visors up, side by side](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HZ82oE7wzj5Tr5rkK9QAya-320-80.jpg)
SpaceX Crew-9 astronaut launch delayed to Sept. 26
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Nick Hague, an active US Space Force Guardian, will lead the next ISS mission in his role as a NASA astronaut. The mission is now targeting a Sept. 26 liftoff.
![a black and white rocket rises into a blue sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mKqghPAYFce3xNzFuAXibP-320-80.png)
Rocket Lab launches 5 'Internet of Things' satellites to orbit (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Rocket Lab boosted a French company's 'Internet of Things' constellation with a five-satellite launch today (Sept. 20).
![polaris dawn crew members in black jumpsuits pose in front of spacex starship hardware](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rkTWnXYfuuFKF86apHwrRC-320-80.jpg)
Polaris Dawn: Everything you need to know about the 1st mission of the Polaris Program
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Reference Polaris Dawn was the first of three missions of the Polaris Program. The mission flew on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and was commanded by Jared Isaacman.
![a bright light on earth circled by red, surrounded by darkness, in a picture taken from space](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HzA3t4kjghCTuiDbmWJASM-320-80.png)
NASA astronaut photographs SpaceX's private Polaris Dawn capsule reentry from ISS (photo)
By Elizabeth Howell published
The private Polaris Dawn was within view of the ISS when the four-person private mission concluded its work on Sept. 15. Experienced NASA astronaut Don Pettit wielded the camera.
![a rocket lifting off above a plume of fire. gray clouds are in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MnEYQwfNkYEupbG8Bg3sK7-320-80.jpg)
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.
![two nasa astronauts in a module at right. at left is a docked cone-shaped spacecraft above earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Znw66AC6BU8JD5zKcbQ7cJ-320-80.jpg)
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).
![four astronauts behind a flag floating in a small spacecraft](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yeXrVBKhFX7tTi2CxBkQ5j-320-80.jpg)
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.
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