Astro-Nut Free on Bail a Day After Facing Attempted Murder Charges

Astronaut Lisa Nowak arrived home in Houston on a commercial flight Wednesday morning at about 9am EST. After facing charges of attempted kidnapping, battery and attempted burglary of a car with battery, and attempted murder in Orlando, Nowak posted a $15,500 bond and later a $10,000 bond to secure her release from jail.

Nowak was earlier escorted out of Orlando through the airport by her boss, retired Air Force Col. Steve Lindsey, who previously flew on a space shuttle mission with her. NASA has grounded Nowak, and she will be on leave for 30 days. During this time, she has been removed from flight status and all mission-related activities.

The charges against Nowak stem from a well-publicized incident which occurred last week when she drove from her home in Houston to the Orlando Airport to confront Captain Shipman, a 30 woman she saw as a rival for the affections of another astronaut, William Oefelein. Oefelein was the commander of last December's Discovery flight to the International Space Station.

Nowak donned a diaper during her cross country drive so she would not have to stop for a toilet break.

Police have stated that Nowak confronted Shipman at the Orlando airport parking lot early Monday morning. She was wearing a wig, glasses and a trench coat. Nowak, on foot, convinced Shipman to partially open her car window. Nowak then sprayed Shipman with pepper spray. Shipman was able to speed away and contact police.

Nowak claims to have more than a working relationship with Oefelein, but less than a romantic one. Nowak is married and has three children. Her family has stated that she is currently separated from her husband.

Shipman had previously filed for a restraining order against Nowak. Shipman claims that Nowak has been stalking her for the past two months.

On Tuesday, the family of Lisa Nowak released a statement asking the public to keep on open mind about Nowak's case. In the statement, her family notes that, "Considering both her personal and professional life, these alleged events are completely out of character and have come as a tremendous shock to our family."

Director of the Johnson Space Centre, Michael Coats, also released a statement, in which he noted that, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic event." A NASA spokesman confirmed that NASA crew members who participate in normal shuttle missions do not undergo psychological evaluation.

Nowak will be required to wear a global positioning system (gps) on her ankle as a condition or her bail. The gps will sound an alarm if she enters the county where Shipman works.

Sources:
CNN.com. Astronaut charged with kidnap plot arrives home. February 7, 2007. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/07/astronaut.arrested/index.html. Retrieved February 7, 2007.
Washingtonpost.com. With Discipline Honed by Training, Police Say, Astronaut Set Out to Kill. February 7, 2007. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/07/AR2007020700618.html. Retrieved February 7, 2007.
Coultan, Mark. The Sydney Morning Herald. The wrong stuff: love triangle drama a test for space program. February 8, 2007. http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/love-triangle-drama-a-test-for-space-program/2007/02/07/1170524163486.html. Retrieved February 7, 2007.
Baltimoresun.com. Statement from family of Lisa Nowak. February 6, 2007. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-statement0206,0,5682120.story?coll=bal-home-headlines. Retrieved February 7, 2007.