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 black and white image of the international space station from afar, showing solar panels and modules](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rBtVmyf4yJpbmL4nvhERaj-320-80.jpg)
Wow! Satellite views International Space Station from only 43 miles away (photo)
By Elizabeth Howell published
The International Space Station was caught on camera in an incredible new photo from HEO Robotics, which images satellites using space-based sensors.
![a look through a circular spacecraft window to see two astronauts in spacesuits lying on their backs](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fXd9L3QYMQjT5Dd7idNv6L-320-80.jpg)
Artemis 2 astronauts simulated a day in the life on their moon mission. Here's what they learned (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
How do you get ready for flying to the moon? The Artemis 2 astronauts practiced a day in space ahead of their historic liftoff in 2025 to see what living in the Orion spacecraft is like.
![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/66nAsxpJr7oyGUxf3BDYpA-320-80.jpg)
SpaceX Starlink satellites doing just fine after weekend solar storm, company says
By Elizabeth Howell published
SpaceX's Starlink fleet of nearly 6,000 satellites remains healthy after weekend solar storms sparked auroras across the world.
![a large white rocket sits vertical on a launch pad at night](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GSTdUcuVZZdEk3tYPncDzV-320-80.jpg)
Boeing Starliner's historic 1st astronaut launch delayed by Atlas V rocket issue
By Elizabeth Howell published
An issue with ULA's Atlas V rocket scrubbed the historic 1st crewed launch attempt of Boeing's Starliner capsule on May 6. May 10 is the earliest possible launch date now.
![woman standing in front of big square building with nasa logo and american flag](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7XPGoMsJA6UJJxZPkmtzV9-320-80.jpg)
Starliner's Mission Control team 'very excited' for capsule's 1st-ever astronaut launch (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA and Boeing are working together to send the first astronauts to space on Starliner on May 6. Among the Mission Control support team is Kennedy Space Center's chief engineer.
![a rocket with a cone-shaped spacecraft on top. it is beside a launch tower. a crew access arm reaches from the tower to the spacecraft with the word "ULA" and an american flag on the side](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4wvrow6xLRWJnJB9qMGZvV-320-80.jpg)
Boeing's Starliner launch will be the 1st astronaut flight on an Atlas V rocket. How did NASA and ULA get it ready for crews? (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronauts will ride a United Launch Alliance Atlas V for the 1st time on May 6. Getting the long-running rocket ready for humans took thousands of checks.
![a grey-and-blue cone-shaped spacecraft in space above the Earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xyQjwsCdzioVDM4wn2baDc-320-80.jpg)
Boeing's Starliner is a 'big piece of America's overall strategy for access to low Earth orbit,' astronaut says
By Elizabeth Howell published
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Josh Kutryk says Boeing Starliner is "important strategically" for America's space program.
![a woman astronaut in a flight suit posing in the doorway of a spacecraft simulator. the open door is at right](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZtHtyv5n8RKTbxT8HWy7ob-320-80.jpg)
After an 'emotional rollercoaster,' NASA astronauts are ready to fly on Boeing Starliner
By Elizabeth Howell published
Two NASA astronauts waited several extra years for their ride aboard Boeing Starliner, but the wait was not fully unexpected, the former test pilots recently shared with reporters.
![a rocket at a launch pad surrounded by towers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cE7EfsGrtss6XNDkxchL9A-320-80.jpg)
Boeing Starliner rolls out to launch pad for 1st astronaut flight on May 6 (photos)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Starliner is at last at its Florida launch pad for its historic 1st mission with astronauts. The Boeing spacecraft made a brief journey there May 4 to coincide with Star Wars Day.
![a cone-shaped spacecraft near a structure of the international space station. below is the curve of earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cXJ9x8BTDdmTEbJP2EMpmN-320-80.jpg)
What's next for Boeing Starliner after its 1st crew flight test?
By Elizabeth Howell published
Astronauts will board a Boeing Starliner spacecraft for the 1st ISS test flight no earlier than May 6. Boeing says it's already working on first operational mission Starliner-1 for 2025.
![two astronauts with spacesuits on in a simulator looking at a screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SKs27W72D6HJ6GoCYvwDCQ-320-80.jpg)
Boeing Starliner spacecraft 'go' for 1st astronaut launch on May 6, NASA says
By Elizabeth Howell published
Two NASA astronauts, their spacecraft and rocket have been cleared for a historic 1st flight aboard Boeing's Starliner. Launch will take place no earlier than May 6.
![a cone-shaped spacecraft in front of an american flag](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cWifFA8XZovvQUjFq33fHe-320-80.jpeg)
Boeing's Starliner is ready to fly astronauts after years of delay. Here's what took so long.
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing's Starliner is finally ready to fly astronauts, after several years of delay. The capsule's designers put the extra time to good use, NASA and Boeing representatives say.
![a cone-shaped spacecraft with hatch open. earth is in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E4Qa5mRyPMbmyvQGYVLNQC-320-80.jpg)
Here's what to expect during Boeing Starliner's 1st astronaut test flight on May 6
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing Starliner will launch its 1st mission to the ISS with NASA astronauts on May 6. Here are the milestones to watch for, from launch to docking to landing.
![two astronauts in spacesuits with visors open. the woman astronaut in front turns to smile at the camera while the man astronaut in back looks to the side](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yBXovzPp3VtiyNZbmyLP9N-320-80.jpg)
'It almost feels unreal': NASA astronauts excited for 1st crewed Boeing Starliner launch May 6
By Elizabeth Howell published
Two experienced NASA astronauts will take Boeing Starliner on its first human excursion on May 6. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams bring test pilot and spaceflight experience to bear.
![a cone-shaped spacecraft near a structure of the international space station. below is the curve of earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cXJ9x8BTDdmTEbJP2EMpmN-320-80.jpg)
2 astronaut taxis: Why NASA wants both Boeing's Starliner and SpaceX's Dragon
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing's Starliner will make its first crewed launch as soon as May 6, about four years after SpaceX's. Having two private astronaut taxis will provide redundancy for ISS operations and more.
![illustration of a satellite orbiting earth above north america](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k3hqBMa5d5jLJoDhTDNagD-320-80.jpg)
Space threats, NORAD upgrade may spur new private defense spending in Canada
By Elizabeth Howell published
The United States and Canada aim to upgrade NORAD to deal with emergent space threats from nations like China or Russia. Canada will hold an industry day May 1 to gather more ideas.
![three astronauts in a row, with spacesuits. two of them are sitting down on chairs. one in the middle is kneeling. behind them are panels and a flight patch for crew flight test showing a rocket](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GQosqfzFKse5MHZ7sbBfe-320-80.jpg)
Boeing Starliner astronauts conduct dress rehearsal ahead of May 6 launch (photos, video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
The ISS launch will take place near NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
![a spacecraft with hatch open above earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E4Qa5mRyPMbmyvQGYVLNQC-320-80.jpg)
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will not fly private missions yet, officials say
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is about to make its first launch May 6 with NASA astronauts on board. Unlike SpaceX, however, Boeing has not yet announced any private missions.
![four astronauts in blue flight suits stand behind microphones on an airplane runway. two white and blue jets are behind them](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FxEnuKtNuwvbkaMhvdeGqW-320-80.jpg)
'I'm sure we'll find things out': NASA astronauts fly to launch site for 1st crewed Boeing Starliner mission to ISS on May 6 (photos)
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Veteran NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams expect to face the unexpected in space with Boeing Starliner, but told reporters on April 25 that the team is ready for the unexpected.
![an astronaut in a spacesuit floats outside of a large white cylinder in space. earth can be seen in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/N7VXVF9u5Tmjyv2dNCVU8G-320-80.jpg)
China's Tiangong space station damaged by debris strike: report
By Elizabeth Howell published
Two spacewalks this winter fixed the power supply of China's Tiangong space station, which was damaged by a space debris strike, state media reported.
![two astronauts in spacesuits smiling and standing in front of a wall. the wall has a nasa logo on it surrounded by mission patches](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sgNkHjCZ9hjMyFFZRg2ZcE-320-80.jpg)
NASA astronauts enter quarantine for 1st crewed Boeing Starliner launch on May 6
By Elizabeth Howell published
Veteran NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are in quarantine at agency facilities before the 1st Boeing Starliner launch. They are expected to fly on May 6.
![starliner visible out a space window with the earth in behind](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MSGLQi2vuwfCMJmUaWLXj4-320-80.jpg)
Starliner: Boeing's next-generation spaceship for astronauts
By Chelsea Gohd last updated
Reference Starliner is the commercial spacecraft Boeing will use to carry astronauts to space.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/quJFc2kidnxhbtHdNDsrna-320-80.jpg)
Earth Day: What is it and why does it matter?
By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated
Reference Earth Day highlights the actions we can take to address environmental problems.
![three astronauts standing in spacesuits](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NT6sczS2hkkDHzQ3fbrynU-320-80.jpg)
'I really like these suits.' Boeing's snazzy (and flexible) Starliner spacesuits have astronauts buzzing (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Starliner will make its first trip to space with astronauts no earlier than May 6. The historic flight also marks the crewed debut of a new generation of Boeing blue spacesuits.
![a cone-shaped spacecraft on a truck going by a large building with a nasa building on the side. the scene is at night](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dksAGwDwETbEoMHBDYBj6V-320-80.jpg)
Boeing Starliner spacecraft rolls out to Atlas V rocket ahead of 1st astronaut launch (photos, video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft moved between buildings at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to get ready for launch. Its first astronaut mission is expected on May 6.
Get the Space.com Newsletter
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!