Lisa Nowak is charged with attempted first degree murder. She reportedly attacked and planned to kill a woman who was in a relationship with another astronaut.
On Sunday February 4, 2007, an astronaut and married mother of three, Lisa Nowak left Houston, Texas for Orlando, Florida. She wore diapers in the car to avoid having to make extra rest stops, paid cash for hotel stays and registered under assumed names. Detailed maps to Colleen Shipman, were found in Nowak's car. Shipman is an air force captain who works on space launches.
The two women were both in some kind of relationship with astronaut Navy Cmdr. Bill Oefelein. Nowak found flight information on Oefelein's computer regarding Shipman's flights. Nowak waited for Shipman to arrive at the Orlando airport and followed her into the parking structure. Nowak then attacked Shipman, spraying pepper spray into her car. Shipman was able to drive off and get help. Police found Nowak at a bus stop. Nowak wascarrying a knife, ruber tubing, steel mallet, large garbage bags, and $600 in cash. In a nearby garbage can they found a carbon dioxide-powered BB pistol and a wig.
Nowak, who flew aboard STS-121, which launched on the fourth of July, 2006, is now charged with attempted murder.
During her 13-day shuttle mission last year, Nowak operated the remote arm during spacewalks that worked on the International Space Station. Her bio at the NASA web site says that "Lisa enjoys bicycling, running, skeet, sailing, gourmet cooking, rubber stamps, crossword puzzles, piano, and African violets."
Oefelein, who is 41 and 2 years younger than Nowak (11 years older than Shipman), flew aboard STS-116 from December 9 - 22, 2006. The Discovery crew also worked on the International Space Station.
Nowak has been released after posting $25,000 in bonds. She has been ordered to wear a GPS to track her movement. Shipman, who says that Nowak had been stalking her for two months, has filed a restraining order against Nowak. Nowak has been put on a 30-day leave of absence from her duties at NASA.
