Elizabeth Howell
Staff Writer, Spaceflight 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
89%
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
87%
Examples:
- However, there are instances where the author highlights certain aspects that could be seen as favoring SpaceX and its missions. For example, describing Elon Musk's decision to move SpaceX headquarters to Texas as a result of a new California law banning school transgender notification requirements rather than simply reporting the move.
- The author appears to have a neutral reporting style with no clear political or personal bias.
- There are also instances where the author seems to express skepticism or criticism towards Boeing and its Starliner spacecraft, such as mentioning thruster issues and helium leaks that extended its Crew Flight Test mission from an originally planned 10 days.
Conflicts of Interest
100%
Examples:
- However, there is a mention of SpaceX as the dominant player in ISS operations and being involved in multiple human spaceflight launches. This could potentially be seen as a conflict of interest, but it is not explicitly stated or substantiated.
- There are no clear conflicts of interest detected in the articles.
Contradictions
85%
Examples:
- Another contradiction mentioned is that Elon Musk announced plans to move the company's headquarters from Hawthorne, California to Texas, citing a new California law banning school transgender notification requirements and putting children at risk for permanent damage, while also stating that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill causing massive destruction of parental rights and putting children at risk for permanent damage.
- The article also states that International Space Station (ISS) will take a long time to reach the end of its life and is expected to “drift down” from its normal orbit within 12 to 18 months after NASA leaves the crew on board, while also mentioning that SpaceX is the dominant player in ISS operations.
- There are several instances of contradictions in the articles, such as SpaceX moving Crew Dragon splashdowns to the West Coast after multiple space debris incidents, and Sizable pieces of debris from Dragon trunks having landed in various places including Australia, Saskatchewan and North Carolina.
Deceptions
80%
Examples:
- Another instance is when the author mentions that Elon Musk gestures to the crowd on May 30, 2020 after then-President Donald Trump recognizes him from the podium. This could be seen as an attempt to elevate Musk's status and importance.
- For example, in one article, the author states that NASA and Boeing have decided not to use at least one of those thrusters during landing due to performance concerns, while also mentioning that these thrusters were part of the original design for landing.
- There are some instances where the author may have deceived the reader by presenting certain information in a misleading way.
Recent Articles
SpaceX Shifts Dragon Splashdowns from East to West Coast for Safer, More Efficient Recovery Process
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024SpaceX, in response to debris concerns, will move Dragon splashdowns from the East Coast to the West Coast starting in 2025. This decision follows at least five instances of debris reaching Earth's surface during crewed missions. To mitigate risks, SpaceX will implement a software change for Dragon to execute its deorbit burn before jettisoning the trunk. The shift in recovery operations aims to reduce debris impact on populated areas and improve scheduling predictability. 
Elon Musk Leaves California: SpaceX and X Headquarters Move to Texas Over Transgender Law
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter), announced moves to relocate both companies' headquarters from California to Texas in response to a new law restricting school disclosure of transgender or gay students' information. The decision follows previous threats over Covid-19 restrictions and Musk's growing conservative political stance, which includes supporting former President Trump through a $45 million PAC. 
Planting the American Flag on the Moon: The Unforgettable Legacy of Apollo 11
Broke On: Sunday, 20 July 1969In 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history as the first humans to land on the Moon in Apollo 11's lunar module 'Eagle'. They left behind commemorative medallions and demonstrated robust teamwork. Challenges arose when planting the American flag due to lunar soil density, but NASA plans to return with Artemis II in late 2025 and Artemis III in the following years. 
SpaceX Suffers Rare Setback: Liquid Oxygen Leak Causes Loss of 20 Starlink Satellites, FAA Reviews Return to Flight Operations
Broke On: Monday, 15 July 2024On July 11, 2024, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites suffered an unexpected liquid oxygen leak during launch, resulting in the loss of all 20 satellites. The FAA is reviewing SpaceX's request to resume launches while the cause of the anomaly is investigated. Despite this setback, SpaceX is confident in resolving the issue and implementing corrective measures to prevent future incidents. SpaceX's Powerful Dragon Spaceship: The Chosen One to Deorbit the International Space Station
Broke On: Thursday, 18 July 2024NASA and SpaceX plan to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) using a powerful Dragon spaceship, outfitted with a new high-powered trunk and 46 Draco engines. The upgraded Dragon will have four times the power and six times the propellant of a regular ship, making it capable of pushing the ISS out of orbit. The ISS is expected to come down around 2031 in a remote part of the ocean, with NASA considering this complex mission an honor for SpaceX. 
Boeing's Starliner Docks with ISS but Faces Thruster Issues and Helium Leaks: A Major Setback in Commercial Spaceflight
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024Boeing's Starliner spacecraft docked with the International Space Station in June, but encountered issues with thrusters and helium leaks. NASA requires additional testing before return to Earth, estimated to cost Boeing over $1.5 billion. Malfunctions pose no danger to crew, but delay Starliner's homecoming. 
NASA Astronauts Stuck at ISS: Boeing Starliner's Thruster Issues Delay Return Date
Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024NASA 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. 
Unexpected Disintegration of Russian Satellite Creates Over 100 Pieces of Debris in Low Earth Orbit: ISS Crew Takes Precautions
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024A Russian decommissioned Earth observation satellite, RESURS-P1, disintegrated in low Earth orbit on June 26, creating over 100 pieces of debris. The event occurred near the International Space Station (ISS), prompting astronauts to take shelter for an hour as a precaution. The cause of the break-up remains unclear but highlights the growing issue of space debris in low Earth orbit, with over 25,000 trackable pieces and millions more smaller objects. 
Unexpected Coolant Leak Cancels Spacewalk for Astronauts Dyson and Barratt
Broke On: Monday, 24 June 2024A coolant leak in astronaut Tracy Dyson's spacesuit forced the cancellation of U.S. spacewalk 90 on June 24, 2024, putting a halt to her and Mike Barratt's plan to repair a faulty electronics box outside the International Space Station. 
NASA Astronauts Stranded in Space: Starliner's Third Delay Due to Helium Leaks and Thruster Issues
Broke On: Saturday, 22 June 2024NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stranded in space aboard the International Space Station since late June 2024 due to ongoing issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The latest setback involves helium leaks and thruster performance issues, delaying the return to Earth for the third time. NASA and Boeing are analyzing data to manage these problems, with no definitive departure date in sight.