Michael Sheetz

Michael Sheetz is a reporter for CNBC News who specializes in covering the transportation and space industries. He began full-time coverage of space in early 2020 and has contributed to various CNBC platforms, including digital reporting and television programming. Michael is an alumnus of the Dow Jones News Fund and a Founder's Scholar from The King's College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. He also minors in Journalism and Theology.

Biography:  https://www.cnbc.com/michael-sheetz/

76%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermines the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
Analysis.OverallConflictOfInterestScore * 0.3F + Analysis.OverallBiasScore * 0.3F + Analysis.DeceptivenessScore * 0.3F + Analysis.ReadabilityScore * 0.1F

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The Daily's Verdict

This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.

Bias

100%

Examples:

  • The author has a strong bias towards providing positive coverage of space exploration and the companies involved in it.

Conflicts of Interest

75%

Examples:

  • For example, in an article about Blue Origin joining SpaceX and ULA in winning bids for a Pentagon rocket program, the author mentions that Bezos' Blue Origin joined SpaceX and ULA but does not mention that Amazon, which is owned by Bezos, advertises on CNBC.
  • In some articles, the author seems to have a conflict of interest by providing positive coverage of companies that are advertising on CNBC or have partnerships with CNBC.

Contradictions

85%

Examples:

  • Another contradiction is found in an article where the author claims Intuitive Machines initially reported Odysseus was standing upright but later said it believed the spacecraft caught its landing gear sideways in the moon's surface while touching down and tipped over. However, this is not true as there is no evidence to support this claim and Intuitive Machines has not released any official statement regarding the cause of the tipping over.
  • In one article, the author contradicts themselves by stating that NASA is shutting down a $2 billion project after criticizing contractor Maxar for poor performance, but later mentioning that NASA's auditor only found fault with Maxar's performance on one aspect of the project.

Deceptions

50%

Examples:

  • In one article, the author seems to deceive the reader by implying that NASA has shut down a $2 billion satellite refueling project after Maxar was criticized for poor performance. However, this is not entirely accurate as NASA's auditor only found fault with Maxar's performance on one aspect of the OSAM-1 spacecraft and cited technical, cost, and schedule challenges that were not solely due to Maxar.

Recent Articles

SpaceX's Double Launch: Successful Return to Flight with 44 Starlink Satellites and Falcon 9 Reusability

SpaceX's Double Launch: Successful Return to Flight with 44 Starlink Satellites and Falcon 9 Reusability

Broke On: Sunday, 28 July 2024 SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, launched two batches of Starlink satellites on July 28, 2024 from Florida and California using Falcon 9 rockets. Despite a pressure sensor issue causing an in-flight failure on July 11, both launches were successful with first stages landing at sea. The company expanded its satellite broadband network by adding 44 Starlink satellites to orbit and plans to remove the faulty sensor for future missions.
NASA Astronauts Stuck at ISS: Boeing Starliner's Thruster Issues Delay Return Date

NASA Astronauts Stuck at ISS: Boeing Starliner's Thruster Issues Delay Return Date

Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024 NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams remain at the International Space Station due to unexpected issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft during its Crew Flight Test mission. The teams are conducting thorough testing on Starliner's thruster technology to determine the root cause before allowing its return. Despite uncertainty, astronauts are in a stable situation aboard ISS, which has been continuously crewed for over 24 years and serves as a scientific platform and cornerstone of space commerce. NASA's Commercial Crew Program aims to ensure safe access to low-Earth orbit while reducing reliance on Russia.
NASA Selects SpaceX to Develop and Deliver US Deorbit Vehicle for International Space Station

NASA Selects SpaceX to Develop and Deliver US Deorbit Vehicle for International Space Station

Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024 NASA has chosen SpaceX to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the International Space Station, worth up to $843 million. This spacecraft will ensure safe deorbiting of the station after its operational life in 2030, preventing risks to populated areas. The decision follows NASA's evaluation of various options for preserving or reusing the ISS, ultimately finding disassembly or raising its orbit with a large spacecraft infeasible.
NASA and Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft: Reviewing Mission Requirements and Departure Preparations after Helium Leaks and RCS Thruster Issues at ISS

NASA and Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft: Reviewing Mission Requirements and Departure Preparations after Helium Leaks and RCS Thruster Issues at ISS

Broke On: Saturday, 15 June 2024 NASA and Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which docked at the ISS on June 6 with helium leaks and RCS thruster issues, undergoes a review before departure. Participants discuss progress during a June 18 media teleconference. Astronauts contribute to station upkeep while data is gathered for return mission delayed to no earlier than June 22.
Blue Origin Secures First National Security Satellite Launch Contract, Competing with SpaceX and ULA for Up to $5.6 Billion in Business

Blue Origin Secures First National Security Satellite Launch Contract, Competing with SpaceX and ULA for Up to $5.6 Billion in Business

Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024 The Department of Defense has selected SpaceX, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) to compete for national security satellite launches worth up to $5.6 billion over the next decade. This marks Blue Origin's first time being chosen for sensitive national security missions. At least 30 launches are anticipated between the three providers over the initial five-year period, with one launch per quarter expected. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, eligible for these contracts, is projected to attempt its first orbital flight later this year. ULA and SpaceX have previously competed for national security launches under NSSL Phase 2. The selection process received seven offers.
NASA's Starliner Spacecraft Docks at ISS Despite Malfunctioning Thrusters

NASA's Starliner Spacecraft Docks at ISS Despite Malfunctioning Thrusters

Broke On: Thursday, 06 June 2024 Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully docks at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6, 2024, despite five malfunctioning thrusters. NASA and Boeing engineers managed to recover four faulty thrusters and seal the helium leaks. The docking marks Starliner's inaugural crewed test flight to the ISS, which could lead to regular flights for NASA if successful.
SpaceX's Starship Makes History: Successful Test Flight Paves Way for Mars Colonization and Reusable Rockets

SpaceX's Starship Makes History: Successful Test Flight Paves Way for Mars Colonization and Reusable Rockets

Broke On: Thursday, 06 June 2024 SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully completed its fourth test flight on June 6, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the company's plans to reduce space travel costs and send humans to Mars. The fully reusable rocket took off from South Texas, with the booster landing in the Gulf of Mexico and the second-stage spacecraft splashing down in the Indian Ocean. CEO Elon Musk praised this major achievement as SpaceX continues towards its goal of colonizing Mars and aiding Starlink's broadband internet satellite project.
Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft Launch Scrubbed: Hardware Issue Delays NASA's Return to American-Made Spacecraft

Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft Launch Scrubbed: Hardware Issue Delays NASA's Return to American-Made Spacecraft

Broke On: Monday, 03 June 2024 Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, scheduled for its first crewed launch on June 5, was canceled due to a ground power supply issue. The malfunction occurred within one of the three redundant chassis that powers computer cards controlling various systems. NASA and ULA identified and fixed the problem before rescheduling the mission, marking NASA's return to using American-made spacecraft for astronaut transportation since retiring the Space Shuttle program in 2011.
NASA and Boeing Press On with Starliner Launch Despite Helium Leak and Design Vulnerability

NASA and Boeing Press On with Starliner Launch Despite Helium Leak and Design Vulnerability

Broke On: Friday, 24 May 2024 NASA and Boeing press ahead with Starliner launch on June 1, despite a helium leak in its propulsion system. The suspect seal in the plumbing leading to one thruster could fail or leak up to 100 times, but NASA and Boeing believe the spacecraft can still fly safely for its first crewed test flight.
NASA Cancels $2 Billion Satellite Refueling Project Due to Poor Performance by Primary Contractor Maxar

NASA Cancels $2 Billion Satellite Refueling Project Due to Poor Performance by Primary Contractor Maxar

Broke On: Tuesday, 05 March 2024 NASA has cancelled the $2 billion satellite refueling project known as OSAM-1 after Maxar, the primary contractor for the project, was accused of poor performance by NASA's Office of Inspector General. The cancellation comes in the wake of an October 2023 report from NASA's Office of Inspector General that cited 'poor performance' by Maxar.