First Astronaut Removed From Space Agency

A stellar career spanning a decade has come to an abrupt end. NASA, by mutual agreement with the US Navy, released a statement Wednesday announcing astronaut Lisa Nowak's termination from her duties with the space agency.

With the demotion, Nowak became the first astronaut ever to be removed by the space agency, according to the Houston Chronicle. Nowak, a US Navy captain, joined NASA in 1996 when she was selected for astronaut training. She flew aboard the shuttle Discovery in July 2006; a mission that many have said completed NASA's recovery from the 2003 Columbia tragedy.

"NASA requested an end to the detail because the agency lacks the administrative means to deal appropriately with the criminal charges pending against Nowak," the space agency said this afternoon. "Because Nowak is a naval officer on assignment to NASA, rather than a NASA civil servant, she is not subject to administrative action by NASA."

Nowak was on leave from NASA following her arrest in Orlando, FL. She has been charged with burglary with assault and attempted kidnapping in connection with Colleen Shipman, girlfriend of fellow astronaut Bill Oefelein.

On Tuesday she was also charged with attempted first-degree murder Tuesday and jailed, according to CBS News. She was released from jail on $25,500 bail and ordered to wear a monitoring device.

Nowak's attorney, Donald Lykkebak, voiced his displeasure with the additional charge. "In the imaginations of the police officers, they extend these facts out into areas where the facts can't be supported," Lykkebak said.

"The intent was there to do serious bodily injury or death," said Orlando Police Sgt. Barb Jones, referring to the items found in Nowak's car -- including pepper spray, a BB-gun, a new steel mallet, knife and rubber tubing.

NASA spokesman John Ira Petty indicated the agency was concerned about the people involved and their families. But, he added, "We try not to concern ourselves with our employees' personal lives."

Nowak and Oefelein reportedly engaged in a romantic relationship for several years. Oefelein informed Nowak late last year he had chosen to pursue an exclusive relationship with Shipman, a 30-year-old US Air Force officer stationed at Cape Canaveral, FL

As Aero-News reported, Nowak drove from Houston to Orlando to confront Shipman, after she and Oefelein spent a weekend together in Houston. She allegedly wore a wig and trench coat when she confronted Shipman.

Nowak reportedly told police she only wanted to "scare" Shipman, not harm her. She is free on bail at her home in Houston awaiting trial. 

FMI: www.nasa.gov