Elizabeth Howell
Elizabeth Howell (she/her), Ph.D., is a staff writer in the spaceflight channel since 2022 specializing in Canadian space news. She was contributing writer for Space.com for 10 years before joining full-time. Elizabeth's reporting includes multiple exclusives with the White House, 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?" (ECW Press, 2022) is co-written with astronaut Dave Williams.
Latest articles by Elizabeth Howell
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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: 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.
Earth Day: What is it and why does it matter?
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Reference Earth Day occurs annually on April, 22. It began in 1970 and celebrates the environmental diversity of Earth and highlights ways of protecting it.
'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.
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.
I flew Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in 4 different simulators. Here's what I learned (video, photos)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing Starliner astronauts spent hundreds of hours in simulators preparing for Crew Test Flight, which lifts off May 6. I got a brief taste of what they experienced.
NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara missed the total solar eclipse, but saw Earth 'moving' below her during spacewalk (photos)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara missed watching an eclipse from the ISS by days. But she did participate in the 4th all-woman spacewalk, and has a unique story about a baby octopus.
1st female ISS program manager looks ahead to new spaceships, space stations (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA's Dana Weigel has held leadership positions at the agency for 20 years. Now leading the ISS program, she highlighted the outpost's increasingly commercial focus.
Get the Space.com Newsletter
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!