![Elizabeth Howell](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RU2kJRoTDQkePFeSZBNxHF.jpg)
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
![a woman standing in front of a square-shaped building that has an american flag and a nasa logo on the side](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7XPGoMsJA6UJJxZPkmtzV9-320-80.jpg)
NASA's 1st female chief engineer at Kennedy Space Center wants to put a space station around the moon (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
For Women's History Month, NASA's Teresa Kinney shared what she's learned in 40 years of working in agency circles, and how she's trying to help the next generation fly to space.
![a total solar eclipse seen against a black sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hz3X5DH2DKWhuxTkWMUfkM-320-80.jpg)
NASA's new astronauts are excited for April's total eclipse: 'I'm going to be that little kid all over again' (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Several new NASA astronauts used to study the sun on the regular. They shared their research ahead of the next solar eclipse that crosses the United States on April 8.
![a large-winged aircraft with propellers flying above mars in an illustration](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fzhs4VWFNSVXTf4jx6eJuj-320-80.jpg)
Future Mars plane could help solve Red Planet methane mystery (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
A new Mars plane idea, affectionately called MAGGIE, received early-stage NASA funding for a project starting in May. Its goal is to one day hunt for methane while soaring above the planet.
![a bunch of screens in the front showing flight control data. in the back is a view of a launch, including a rocket firing above earh](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/265SWqzPyPCQEVzQJcQuR8-320-80.jpg)
I toured NASA's Mission Control ahead of Boeing's 1st Starliner astronaut flight. Here's what it was like (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
"We understand the steps that need to be taken."
!["Star Wars" is only the beginning when it comes to space and sci-fi stuff to watch on Disney Plus.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DCj4cQAPv8dRHpbccfk5RY-320-80.jpg)
The best sci-fi movies and TV shows to stream on Disney Plus in April
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Here are the best space and science fiction movies and TV shows to watch on Disney Plus in April.
![a cone-shaped spacecraft in front of a large american flag](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cWifFA8XZovvQUjFq33fHe-320-80.jpeg)
Boeing's 1st Starliner astronaut flight test for NASA could launch as soon as May 1
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing Starliner is ready to carry its first astronaut crew to the International Space Station. Two NASA astronauts will fly on the new spacecraft for a one-week mission in May.
![a gold-foil-covered spacecraft on the surface of a rocky moon](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RMH4iPBHsybrCo3WhDSfhF-320-80.jpg)
Helping build instrument for Japanese Mars mission 'a favorite time' for new NASA astronaut (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA engineers just delivered a Mars instrument to Japan for a future mission. New NASA astronaut Andre Douglas helped get the Martian Moons Exploration mission ready for liftoff.
![the moon blocks the sun, leaving a fiery aura in the sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ChXZtMgjUVJsiPBH8fYy8J-320-80.jpg)
Track the April 8 total solar eclipse with SkySafari, now 80% off
By Elizabeth Howell published
Deals SkySafari 7 has a bundle of new features ahead of the next solar eclipse, and a big sale to match. It's all to get ready for the next solar eclipse in the United States on April 8.
![a rocket lifting off from a launch pad beside a huge plume of steam](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/C7JfEoRViVrxhXsy5NSx9f-320-80.jpg)
New NASA astronauts 'thrilled' to see 1st Boeing Starliner crew launch in May (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
A new NASA astronaut class finished training in March, just in time to watch a new spacecraft take flight. Boeing's Starliner is expected to fly its first crew to space in May.
![a bunch of astronauts in flight suits standing in front of a huge rocket and pointing at the sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sks8xw4dwFSx3b7YFLsFz4-320-80.jpg)
New NASA astronauts celebrate moon missions, private space stations as they get ready for liftoff (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA's newest generation of astronauts have moon missions and a growing space program in their future. The 2024 class tells Space.com they are excited for what's next.
![two pictures on top of each other. the top picture shows reid wiseman in a flight suit, from the back, raishing his hands as an engine fires on a test stand far in front of him. the back picture shows a blurry view of steam emitting from a tower during the test](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VbaTjmdpgF8KrAeBKoqEE4-320-80.jpg)
Artemis 2 moon astronauts celebrate engine test for future lunar missions (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Artemis 2 moon astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch watched a dramatic engine fire in Mississippi on March 6. The test will prepare NASA for future lunar landings.
![onboard view showing the side of a spacecraft glowing orange as it reenters earth's atmosphere, with the ocean in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DiUviM6WUqurBhueW3uHU6-320-80.png)
NASA celebrates SpaceX Starship's 3rd test flight, but more work needed ahead of Artemis moon missions
By Elizabeth Howell published
SpaceX's Starship reached space and achieved orbital velocity during its March 14 test flight, but more work is needed before it can land NASA Artemis astronauts on the moon.
![rocket lifting off into darkness while a bird sits in far foreground](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dXDKHDXVLHB3FRtJhxaqzh-320-80.png)
NASA beefing up SLS moon rocket for its Artemis program
By Elizabeth Howell published
As NASA tests a new generation of lunar rocket engines, the agency said it will need more power and storage to help astronauts work on the moon in the coming decade.
![two pictures side by side. at left is a spacecraft falling into the ocean under four parachutes. at right are two astronauts in spacesuits, seated and giving a thumbs up](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Gd2NAW2CWmjK7j4daSSPDJ-320-80.jpg)
'Like planning a giant wedding:' How NASA astronaut Anil Menon helped SpaceX with 1st U.S. splashdown in 45 years (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
In 2020, while COVID was at its height, two NASA astronauts splashed down in a SpaceX Crew Dragon for the first time ever. New agency astronaut Anil Menon was on the medical team.
![close-up of a cone-shaped spacecraft in a warehouse, with people standing beside it](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GaopuLvjx8FT4UHqY88nrZ-320-80.jpg)
After a successful moon voyage, NASA's Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft helps prepare for the next (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Artemis 1's Orion spacecraft circled the moon in 2022, but its mission is not over. Ahead of the Artemis 2 astronaut mission in 2025, the vehicle is back in testing to ensure it's safe for humans.
![an astronaut squatting in front of an open spacecraft hatch in a red flight suit and helmet](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4oXPi8Te48cE85gHLDpCyY-320-80.jpg)
Splashdown practice for Artemis 2 moon mission 'an incredible experience,' new NASA astronaut says (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
Former U.S. cyclist Christina Birch's first major astronaut assignment will be helping to develop moon spacecraft. She practiced splashdowns in the open water in February 2024.
![nasa administrator bill nelson speaking in front of an american flag](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Un3MLkNtKyx5qfweJR85R7-320-80.jpg)
NASA chief Bill Nelson promises a 'fight' for agency's 2025 budget request
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson lamented spending cuts in his agency during his annual address on March 11, as the agency released its 2025 budget request.
![a white cone-shaped spacecraft](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sLngC2eiqPozvcNfGEbrZY-320-80.jpg)
SpaceX Crew-7 astronauts undock from the ISS for March 12 return to Earth
By Elizabeth Howell published
SpaceX Crew-7's astronauts left the International Space Station March 11. Their return to Earth may occur as soon as March 12.
![two astronaut candidates waving in flight suits in front of a us flag and a t-38 jet. on the stage behind, seated astronaut candidates applaud](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GeABKeaYJMYBZwSx39kQ2P-320-80.jpg)
New UAE astronauts prepare for Ramadan and family reunions: report
By Elizabeth Howell published
UAE astronauts Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad AlMulla just finished basic training with NASA. They spoke about their plans for Ramadan and seeing family in a media report.
![an astronaut in a spacesuit in front of a large pool. personnel stand in the background, in shadow](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/B8syQPXCcHAjJopHkqBDAU-320-80.jpg)
NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson 'super-pumped' for 3rd space mission (exclusive video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson will launch toward the ISS no earlier than March 21. She talks to Space.com about what she and other astronauts will do on the mission, her third spaceflight.
![Carolyn Shoemaker](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KbQsY5krQM93stbRDUqUcj-320-80.jpg)
20 trailblazing women in astronomy and astrophysics
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
From discovering planets to following comets, women all over the world play a crucial role in astronomy.
![two women astronauts floating on the international space station. one points to an american flag](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jjptv3fY2z3CtWgDKLDzb6-320-80.jpg)
Astronauts celebrate mentorships and milestones on International Women's Day 2024 (exclusive)
By Elizabeth Howell published
For International Women's Day, two newly graduated female NASA astronauts talked about the community of people that helped them join the corps.
![an astronaut waving in a spacesuit while floating above the space station](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/65NhLbrKavxgourwZEWaRc-320-80.jpg)
Fly me to the moon: NASA accepting astronaut applications (video)
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA wants a new group of astronauts. U.S. citizens have until April 2 to apply for chances to fly to low Earth orbit, the moon and maybe even Mars.