Mike Wall
Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, “Out There”, was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.
Biography:
https://www.space.com/author/mike-wall
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The Daily's Verdict
This author is known for its high journalistic standards. The author strives to maintain neutrality and transparency in its reporting, and avoids conflicts of interest. The author has a reputation for accuracy and rarely gets contradicted on major discrepancies in its reporting.
Bias
100%
Examples:
- Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat.
Conflicts of Interest
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Examples:
- Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist.
- Michael Wall has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia.
Contradictions
88%
Examples:
- Boeing's Starliner mission with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams is delayed until at least June 22, 2024.
- SpaceX launched 20 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California on June 18, 2024.
- The number and status of RCS thrusters with issues are inconsistent among articles.
- The number of helium leaks detected in the article is different from other articles.
- The size and risk assessment of one helium leak is different among articles.
Deceptions
100%
Examples:
- Boeing's Starliner capsule arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6, 2024 despite five of Starliner’s reaction-control thrusters malfunctioning during docking attempt.
- ]SpaceX launched its Starship megarocket for the fourth time ever on June 6, 2024[
Recent Articles
SpaceX's Falcon 9 to Launch 20 Starlink Satellites from Cape Canaveral on July 3, 2024: Watch From Volusia County
Broke On: Wednesday, 03 July 2024SpaceX is set to launch its Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink satellites from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on July 3, 2024. The reusable Falcon 9 booster, which has had 15 previous launches and landings, will deploy the satellites an hour after liftoff. Residents in Volusia County areas may view the launch from recommended spots if weather permits. 
Firefly Aerospace's Alpha Rocket Set to Launch 'Noise of Summer' with Eight Cubesats from Universities
Broke On: Sunday, 02 July 2023Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket, named 'Noise of Summer,' is set to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on July 2, carrying eight cubesats to a Sun Synchronous Orbit. The mission aims to validate Alpha's systems after previous failures and demonstrate quick response capabilities. Cubesats from universities like University of Arizona, University of Kansas, University of Maine, and University of Washington are aboard. Firefly holds the record for fastest turnaround with 'Victus Nox' launch in September 2023. The cubesats include advanced technology from the University of Michigan and unique satellites from other universities. 
SpaceX's Reusable Falcon 9 Rocket Launches NROL-186 Mission for NRO: A Step Forward in Proliferated Architecture
Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024SpaceX's Falcon 9 successfully launched the NROL-186 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base on June 28, marking the eighth flight for its reusable booster. The rocket carried a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, with a pinpoint landing back on 'Of Course I Still Love You' drone ship. This mission signifies an important step forward for SpaceX and NRO's new 'proliferated architecture', consisting of numerous smaller satellites. 
Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft: Extended Stay for Astronauts Due to Helium Leaks and Thruster Failures
Broke On: Saturday, 22 June 2024Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore on its inaugural crewed flight to the International Space Station, has encountered unexpected helium leaks and thruster failures. These issues have forced an extension of their mission duration to at least 20 days, with a return date set for June 26. NASA and Boeing are working to assess and address these challenges before attempting a safe return journey. 
NASA's Planetary Defense Exercise: Testing Global Response to Asteroid Threats with International Partners
Broke On: Wednesday, 03 April 2024NASA and international partners recently conducted the fifth asteroid impact exercise to enhance planetary defense capabilities and global response strategies. The four-day event involved over 100 participants from 18 countries, testing communication and decision-making processes using data from NASA's successful DART mission. 
SES's Astra 1P Satellite Launched by SpaceX Towards Geostationary Orbit: Replacing Four Older Broadcast Satellites
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024SpaceX launched Luxembourg's Astra 1P satellite for SES towards geostationary orbit on June 20, 2023, using a record-breaking Falcon 9 booster. Replacing four older satellites at SES's European orbital slot, Astra 1P is a classic wide-beam satellite, while Astra 1Q will be software-defined and reprogrammable. SES plans to bolster its connectivity services with a $3.1 billion acquisition of Intelsat. SpaceX's Falcon 9 to Launch ASTRA 1P Satellite for SES on June 20
Broke On: Wednesday, 19 June 2024SpaceX is set to launch the European communications satellite ASTRA 1P for SES on June 20 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, using a Falcon 9 rocket. The weather-delayed launch will see the satellite provide TV channels to parts of Europe from its geosynchronous transfer orbit. 
SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 with 20 Starlink Satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base: San Diego Residents Witness Spectacular Sight
Broke On: Tuesday, 18 June 2024SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 18, 2024. The launch marked the fifth flight for the first stage booster and resulted in successful landings on 'Of Course I Still Love You' droneships in the Pacific Ocean. Two batches of Starlink satellites were launched that day, joining over 6,000 operational satellites in low-Earth orbit. 
Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft: Five Helium Leaks Delay NASA's First American-Made ISS Mission Since 2011
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the ISS on June 6, 2024, encounters five small helium leaks. Despite this setback, Starliner docks successfully and engineers assess helium supply and leak rates for return mission. Extended stay allows additional testing, including thruster tests and cabin measurements. 
SpaceX Set to Launch 22 More Starlink Satellites and Achieve Historic Booster Landing on June 13
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024SpaceX is set to launch 22 Starlink satellites on June 13, marking the first time this booster lands on droneship Just Read the Instructions. The Falcon 9 rocket will carry the satellites to low Earth orbit, advancing their broadband internet coverage mission. With 60 orbital missions this year and rapid reusability plans for their Starship system, SpaceX continues making progress despite challenges.
