- Lisa Nowak
Infobox Astronaut
name =Lisa Nowak
type =NASA Astronaut
nationality =American
status =Dismissed, re-assigned to US Navy
date_birth =birth date and age|1963|5|10
place_birth =Washington, D.C. , U.S.
date_death =
place_death =
previous_occupation =Test Naval Flight Officer
rank =Captain, USN
selection =1996 NASA Group
time = 12d 18h 36 m
mission =STS-121
insignia =|Lisa Marie Nowak (née Caputo) (born
May 10 ,1963 ) is aUnited States naval officer and a formerNASA astronaut .cite web|url=http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/nowak.html|title=Astronaut Bio: Lisa M. Nowak (03/2007)|publisher=NASA|month=October | year=2006|accessdate=2007-02-06] Born inWashington, DC , she was selected by NASA in 1996 and qualified as amission specialist inrobotics . Nowak flew aboard Space Shuttle "Discovery" during missionSTS-121 in July 2006. She was responsible for operating the robotic arms of the shuttle and theInternational Space Station .Nowak gained international attention on
February 5 ,2007 , when she was arrested inOrlando, Florida , and subsequently charged with the attemptedkidnapping of U.S. Air Force Captain Colleen Shipman, the girlfriend of astronautWilliam Oefelein .cite news|last=Hauser|first=Christine|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/06/us/06cnd-astronaut.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=e460bff9d1a01979&ex=1328418000&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |title=Astronaut Charged with Attempted Kidnapping|publisher=New York Times|date=2007-02-06 |accessdate=2007-02-06] Nowak was released on bail, pleaded not guilty to the charges and requested ajury trial . Nowak's assignment to the space agency as an astronaut was terminated by NASA effectiveMarch 8 ,2007 .cite press release |url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2007/mar/HQ_07026_Nowak_Status.html |title=Statement Regarding the Status of Lisa Nowak |publisher=NASA |date=2007-03-07 |accessdate=2007-03-07]Early life and Navy career
Lisa Nowak is the daughter of Alfredo and Jane Caputo of
Rockville, Maryland . She first became interested in thespace program when she was six years old, watching the Apollomoon landing s. Nowak followed thespace shuttle program , particularly the introduction of women astronauts, while she was growing up. She graduated fromCharles W. Woodward High School inRockville, Maryland , in 1981, and received a BS degree inaerospace engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1985. Nowak received a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering, and a degree in aeronautical andastronautical engineering in 1992 from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School inMonterey, California .Military career
Nowak received her commission from the U.S. Navy in 1985, and became a naval flight officer in 1987. After her postgraduate studies, Nowak entered Aerospace Engineering Duty and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. She logged over 1,500 hours of flight in over 30 different
aircraft during her career in the Navy, and obtained the rank of captain.NASA career
Nowak was selected to be an astronaut in 1996 and entered the NASA Astronaut Corps at
Johnson Space Center in August of that year. She qualified as a mission specialist inrobotics , and was assigned to missionSTS-118 . After schedule changes, she instead went into space onJuly 4 ,2006 as a member of theSTS-121 crew to theInternational Space Station . Nowak served as mission flight engineer, operated the shuttle's robotic arm during severalspacewalks , and logged almost 13 days in space.On
February 6 ,2007 , following an arrest in Florida for attempted kidnapping, she was placed on 30-day leave by NASA. She returned toHouston, Texas on a commercial airline flight the next day and reportedly was taken immediately under police escort to the Johnson Space Center for medical and psychiatric evaluation. Nowak's assignment to NASA as a serving naval officer was terminated by the space agency onMarch 7 ,2007 .Cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17502655/|title=NASA fires astronaut Lisa Nowak|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=MSNBC|year=2007|author=MSNBC] [cite news |last=Stone |first=Andrea |title=In Houston, concern for Nowak—and little affection for reporters |url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-02-07-astronaut-houston_x.htm
publisher=USA Today |date=2007-03-07 |accessdate=2007-03-09]After NASA
Nowak remains on active duty with the US Navy and was subsequently ordered to work on the staff of the chief of naval air training in Corpus Christi,
Texas , where she is involved in development of flight training curricula for broad use throughout the Navy. [cite news |last=Doukopil|first=Tony |title=Lisa Nowak's Strange Spacewalk|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19695788/site/newsweek/
publisher=Newsweek|date=2007-07-10 |accessdate=2007-07-17] Naval officials are waiting for her kidnapping case to be resolved before taking further action. [cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/08/science/space/08astronaut.html?ex=1331010000&en=bc9edf1400e47963&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |title=NASA Fires Arrested Astronaut|author=The New York Times |publisher=The New York Times|date=2007-03-08|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21] Military law experts state that while the Navy rarely brings charges against officers for adultery, it is seen as conduct unbecoming an officer, and demonstrates bad judgment.Cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-06-astronaut-nowak_N.htm|title=E-mails offer clues to astronauts' triangle|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=USA Today|year=2007|author=Traci Watson]On
June 5 ,2007 , Nowak was awarded theNASA Space Flight Medal atJohnson Space Center ,Houston .Cite web|url=http://www.nasawatch.com/archives/2007/05/upcoming_awards_1.html|title=2007 NASA Honor Awards Ceremony at JSC|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=NASA Watch.com|year=2007|author=NASA Watch.com]Personal
Nowak married Richard T. Nowak, a classmate at both the Naval Academy and Navy flight school, in 1988. [cite news |first = Nell |last = Boyce |url = http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7226705 |title = Astronaut Faces Attempted-Murder Charges |work = All Things Considered |publisher = NPR |date =
2007-02-06 |accessdate = 2006-02-06 ] Richard Nowak is employed by a NASA contractor at Johnson Space Center. [cite news|last=Schneider|first=Mike|url=http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070207/D8N55RQ00.html|title=NASA to Review Screening Process|publisher=Associated Press|date=2007-02-07 |accessdate=2007-02-08] The Nowaks have three children, a son born in 1992 and twin daughters born in 2001.cite news|last=McLaughlin|first=Moira E.|url=http://www.cathstan.org/news/10-26-06/2.shtml|title=Shuttle astronaut visits Stone Ridge|publisher=The Catholic Standard|date=2006-10-26 |accessdate=2007-02-06] Although the Nowaks are still married, a statement from the family indicated that they separated in January 2007. [cite web |title = Statement From the Family of Lisa Nowak |author=EarthTimes.org|publisher = EarthTimes.org |date =2007-02-06 |url = http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,56581.shtml |accessdate = 2007-02-06 ] Her reported hobbies have included reading,running ,piano ,gardening ,skeet shooting ,gourmet cooking,rubber stamp collecting, andcrossword puzzles .Immediately after Oefelein's divorce, he and Nowak became involved with each other. Their affair lasted two years, and then Oefelein began to break it off gradually near the end of 2006 while starting a relationship with Colleen Shipman, who works as an engineer at
Patrick Air Force Base . [cite news|last=Kluger |first=Jeffrey |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1587281-1,00.html |title=Houston, She's Got Some Problems |publisher=TIME |date=2007-02-08 |accessdate=2007-02-10] Cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3112215&page=1|title=Before Alleged Assault, Ex-Astronaut Nowak Was on the Outs at NASA|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=ABC News|year=2007|author=Gina Sunseri] [ cite news|last=Lundy|first=Sarah|coauthors=
title= Former astronaut Lisa Nowak's attitude cost her mission|work=|pages=|language=
publisher=Orlando Sun-Sentinal|date= May 2, 2007
url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/orl-mnowak0207may02,0,2172150.story?coll=sfla-news-florida|accessdate=2007-05-15]Charges of attempted kidnapping at Orlando Airport
According to police reports, Nowak drove from
Houston, Texas USA toOrlando, Florida , USA on February 4–5, 2007. She had packed latex gloves, a black wig, a BB pistol and ammunition,pepper spray , a hooded tan trench coat, a 2-poundhammer drill , black gloves, rubber tubing, plastic garbage bags, about US$585 in cash, her computer, an eight-inch (203 mm) Gerber foldingknife and several other items before driving the 900 miles (1,450 km) to Florida. Early police reports indicated that she useddiaper s during the trip but she later vehemently denied wearing them through herlawyer . [cite news |last=Reed |first=Travis |title=Former astronaut wants evidence thrown out |url=http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070919/D8ROJMJ00.html |publisher="Associated Press " |date=(September 19 ,2007 ) |accessdate=2007-09-30] [cite news |last=Schneider |first=Mike |title=Lawyer: Ex-astronaut didn't wear diaper |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19508417/ |publisher="Associated Press " |date=(June 29 ,2007 ) |accessdate=2007-09-20] OnFebruary 5 ,2007 , Nowak went to theOrlando International Airport , waited for about an hour in the baggage claim, and then proceeded to the airport parking lot, where she located and confronted Colleen Shipman, who had just arrived from Houston by plane. [cite news |last=Ellis |first=Jim |title=Nowak's Car Had Bondage Photos, Pills |url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3027911&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312 |publisher="Associated Press " |date=(2007-04-10 ) |accessdate=2007-09-30]According to police reports,Fact|date=December 2007 Shipman said that upon arriving, she was aware of someone following her to a satellite parking area. When she got into her car, she heard running steps and quickly locked the door. Nowak slapped the window and tried to open the car door, asked for a ride, then started crying. Shipman rolled down the window a couple of inches after which Nowak sprayed the pepper spray into the car. Shipman drove off to the parking lot booth where police were summoned. Several
Orlando Police Department officers arrived minutes later, with the first officer observing Nowak throwing a bag into the trash at a parking shuttle bus stop.Arrest
On
February 5 ,2007 , Nowak was arrested atOrlando International Airport on charges of attemptedkidnapping , battery, attempted vehicle burglary with battery, and destruction of evidence. [cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/orl-pdf-nowakaffidavit,0,1599643.acrobat?coll=orl-home-headlines|title=Second charging affidavit, Orlando Police|author=Orlando Police Department|publisher=Orlando Sentinel/Orlando Police |date=2007-02-06] [cite web |title=Orlando Police Department forensic examination report|author=Orlando Police Department|publisher=Orlando Police/KHOU.com|url=http://www.khou.com/images/0704/nowak1.pdf |format=PDF |date=2007-03-12] Nowak was detained and subsequently arrested.Cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/06/national/main2438514.shtml|title=Astronaut Nabbed In Bizarre Kidnap Plot|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=CBS News |year=2007|author=CBS /Associated Press ] In a handwritten request for a protective order against Nowak after her arrest, Shipman referred to Nowak as an acquaintance of a boyfriend but did not identify Oefelein, and also claimed Nowak had been stalking her for two months.Cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/06/astronaut.arrested/index.html|title=Astronaut granted bond on attempted murder charge|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=CNN|year=2007|author=CNN] Nowak told investigators she was involved in a relationship with fellow astronaut Oefelein which she described as being "more than a working relationship but less than a romantic relationship." Citing evidence of elaborate planning, disguises and weapons, police recommended she be held withoutbail , but Nowak was later released on $10,000 bond.Cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2928058|title=Shuttle Pilot: Nowak Showed No Emotion|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=ABC News |year=2007|author=Mike Schneider for The Associated Press] cite news|last=Watson|first=Traci |url= http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-02-05-astronaut-arrested_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA|title=Astronaut posts bail after being charged with attempted first-degree murder|publisher=USA Today |date=2007-02-07 |accessdate=2007-02-07] cite web |title=Orlando Police Department charging affidavit |publisher=Florida Today|author=Orlando Police|date=2007-02-05 |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/assets/pdf/A96043925.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2007-02-06]Arraignment
Two fellow astronauts flew to Florida in NASA
T-38 Talon jets to visit Nowak in jail and otherwise make contact with her: [cite news |last=Curtis |first=Henry Pierson |title=Astronaut's victim claims she was stalked |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-mastmain0707feb07,0,4924087.story
publisher=Orlando Sentinel |date=2007-02-07 |accessdate=2007-02-09]Christopher Ferguson , the senior Naval Officer in the NASA Astronaut Corps, went as Nowak's commanding officer, and retired Air Force ColonelSteve Lindsey , who was the commander of Nowak's shuttle mission, STS-121, went asChief of the Astronaut Office , the senior astronaut at NASA. OnFebruary 6 ,2007 , both appeared before a judge on her behalf. The state attorney argued that the facts indicated a well-thought-out plan to kidnap and perhaps to injure Ms. Shipman. While arguing for pre-trial release Nowak's attorney remarked, “One’s good works must count for something.” Nowak was ordered released on $15,500 bail under the condition she wear aGPS tracking device and not contact Shipman. [cite news |title=NASA Astronaut Lisa Nowak Charged With Attempted Kidnapping, Released on Bail|last=Associated Press |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,250415,00.html
work=FoxNews.com|date=2007-02-06 |accessdate=2007-02-06]Before Nowak could be released, however, Orlando police charged Nowak with attempted first-degree murder and announced she would not be released on bail. Her lawyer alleged that police and prosecutors, unhappy that Nowak had been granted bail, pressed more serious charges solely to keep her confined to jail.cite news |last=Curtis |first=Henry Pierson |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/orl-bk-nasaastronaut0507feb05,0,6104316.story?coll=orl-home-headlines |title=Space shuttle astronaut arrested at OIA on attempted kidnapping, battery charges |publisher=Orlando Sentinel |date=
2007-02-06 |accessdate=2007-02-06] In the secondarraignment Nowak was charged with attempted first degree murder with a deadly weapon, for which the judge raised bail by $10,000. After posting bail, Nowak was released from jail. Shipman dropped her request for a protection order onFebruary 15 .Cite web|url=http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070218/NEWS/702180378/1004|title=Petition Against Nowak Is Dropped|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=The Ledger|year=2007|author=The Associated Press]Reactions
There was widespread reaction to Nowak's arrest with concerns expressed about NASA's astronaut selection and screening process and planned 30-month missions to Mars. [cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/03/01/griffin.nowak/index.html |title=NASA chief: We didn't recognize Nowak was troubled |author=CNN |publisher=
CNN |accessdate=2007-03-06 |date=2007-03-02 ] Cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22261045/|title=Terms of endearment buried in e-mails|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=MSNBC |year=2007|author=MSNBC] Some indicated that NASA presentation of astronauts as heroes is part of the problem because of the social pressure it brings to bear on them. [cite news |last=Borenstein |first=Seth |url=http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070209/D8N62FQG0.html |title=Astronaut Culture Stresses Achievement |publisher=Associated Press |date=2007-02-09 |accessdate=2007-02-09] Some perceived her treatment in the criminal process aslenient .Cite web|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/09/02/oped/mayette.q..tabada.matamata.html|title=Back to the future|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. |year=2007|author=Mayette Q. Tabada] Others have been shocked that her misfortunes have been the subject of parody.Cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,250415,00.html|title=NASA Astronaut Lisa Nowak Charged With Attempted Murder in Bizarre Love Triangle|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=Fox News|year=2007|author=Fox News] [cite news |last=Rivenburg |first=Roy |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-spacediaper9feb10,0,2527297.story?coll=la-home-headlines|title=NASA diapers become topic No. 1|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2007-02-09 |accessdate=2007-11-18] [cite news|URL=http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/view/columns/3618016.html|title=The public stoning of Lisa Nowak|author=Editorial|publisher=Kennebec Journal|date=2007-02-15 |accessdate=2007-06-24; cite news|URL=http://www.ifeminists.net/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.90|title=No More Jokes About Lisa Nowak, Please|author=David K.M. Klaus|publisher=ifeminists.com|date=2007-02-10 |accessdate=2007-06-24]Evidence released before trial
On
April 10 ,2007 , Florida prosecutors released additional material in the case. The previous week, the trial judge had agreed to unseal some of the documents that described items found in Nowak's car after her arrest. Among these items were a handwritten note onUSS Nimitz stationery listing Shipman's flight information and "Flight Controller's Log" paper with a handwritten list of more than 24 items, including sneakers, plastic gloves, contacts, cash, an umbrella, and black sweats. A floppy disk contained two photographs of Nowak riding in a bicycle race, and fifteen images depicting an unidentified woman in different stages of undress. An evidence report datedMarch 15 indicated that nearly all of the photographs and drawings depicted bondage scenes.Cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,265170,00.html|title=Police Discover Bondage Images in Car of Lovesick NASA Astronaut Lisa Nowak|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=Fox News|year=2007|author=Fox News] Also found was $585.00 (USD ), and 41.00GBP in cash, and four brown paper towels with 69 orange pills that were not publicly identified. Investigators also examined two USB drives found in the car. They contained family pictures, digital movies, and NASA-related materials. Investigators concluded that the information on the disk and USB drives did not have any direct relationship to the alleged kidnapping attempt.cite news|last= Ellis|first= Jim|coauthors=
title=Nowak's Car Had Bondage Photos, Pills |work=|pages=|language=
publisher=Associated Press|date=2007-04-10 |accessdate=2007-04-11]Oefelein reportedly provided Nowak with a cell phone to communicate with him. Phone records show that she called him at least 12 times, and sent 7
text message s the day after he returned from his shuttle flight onDecember 22 , but he did not pick up untilDecember 24 , when they had a seven-minute conversation. During December and January, over 100 calls were recorded, although it is unclear who called whom. Under questioning by NASA and military investigators, Oefelein reportedly stated that he had broken off the relationship with Nowak, but he had her to lunch in his apartment at least once in January, and they continued to train for a bicycle race, as well as go to the gym together. [cite news|last= Sunseri|first= Gina|coauthors=
title=Ex-astronaut Lisa Nowak's lawyer considers insanity plea|work=|pages=|language=
publisher=ABC13.com|date=2007-05-11
url=http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5296676|accessdate=2007-05-15] [cite news|last= Schneider|first= Mike|coauthors=
title=New Documents Paint Portrait of Fallen NASA Astronaut|work=|pages=|language=
publisher=Space.com|date=2007-05-02
url=http://www.space.com/news/ap_070502_nowak_documents.html|accessdate=2007-05-15]On
May 11 2007 , authorities released a surveillance video from the Orlando International Airport terminal purporting to show Nowak waiting for nearly an hour, standing near the baggage claim, then donning a trench coat and later following Shipman after she retrieved her bags. [cite news|last=|first=|coauthors=
title= Ex-astronaut Lisa Nowak's lawyer considers insanity plea|work=|pages=|language=
publisher=Associated Press|date=11 May 2007
url=http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5297758 |accessdate 2007-05-15]Ongoing case
On
February 13 , 2007, Nowak entered a writtenplea of not guilty to the charges of attempted murder and attempted kidnapping. OnMarch 2 Florida prosecutors filed three formal charges against Nowak: (1) attempted kidnapping with intent to inflict bodily harm or terrorize, (2) burglary of a conveyance with a weapon, and (3) battery.Cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/chronicle/4598826.html|title=Astronaut won't face attempted murder|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=Houston Chronicle|year=2007|author=Kim Cobb, Mark Carreau] The prosecutors declined to file the attempted murder charge which had been recommended by Orlando police. Nowak formally entered a plea of not guilty in relating to the kidnapping charges onMarch 22 at an arraignment hearing although she was not present in person. Nowak's attorney, who filed the plea with the Orange County court, requested ajury trial . The trial was originally due to commence onJuly 30 ,2007 , but was postponed untilApril 7 ,2008 to allow the prosecution time to prepare for an anticipated insanity defense. OnJanuary 16 ,2008 , a judge postponed the trial, as well as the pretrial hearing to be held onMarch 12 ,2008 indefinitely, pending the outcome of the state's appeal of an earlier decision to suppress evidence obtained on the day of her arrest. [cite news|last=Moore |first=Kimberley C. |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070217/NEWS02/702170336/1007 |title=Judge Sets Nowak's Trial Date |publisher=Central Florida News 13 |date=2007-02-18 |accessdate=2007-02-18] cite news|last=Lundy |first= Sarah |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/volusia/orl-nowak1708jan17,0,7794393.story|title=Appeal freezes trial for ex-astronaut Lisa Nowak|publisher=Orlando Sentinal|date=2008-01-17 |accessdate=2008-01-20] A pre-trial hearing was held onJuly 17 ,2007 , and further hearings were to be held onSeptember 19 , to arguedefense motions to suppress some of theevidence obtained on the day of herarrest .cite news|last=Schweers|first=Jeff|coauthors=
title=Hearing in Lisa Nowak case delayed|work=Florida Today|pages=|language=
publisher=Hearst Corporation|date=2007-03-02
url=http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070409/BREAKINGNEWS/70409009/1007|accessdate=2007-04-12] cite news|last=|first=|coauthors=
title=Ex-astronaut pleads not guilty to kidnap charge|work=CNN|pages=|language=
publisher=Associated Press|date=2007-03-22
accessdate=2007-03-24] [cite news|last= Sunseri|first= Gina|coauthors=
title=Ex-astronaut Lisa Nowak's lawyer considers insanity plea|work=|pages=|language=
publisher=ABC13.com|date=2007-05-11
url=http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5296676|accessdate=2007-05-15]On
August 12 , 2007 Nowak asked to have her GPS ankle bracelet removed,Cite web|url=http://www.space.com/news/070824_ap_nowak_courtupdate.html|title=Ex-Astronaut Wants Ankle Bracelet Off |accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=Space.com|year=2007|author=Travis Reed] which the judge agreed to onAugust 30 .Cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN3027875220070830|title=Ex-astronaut Nowak allowed to shed ankle bracelet|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=Reuters |year=2007|author=Barbara Liston] OnAugust 28 , the trial judge unsealed a court document indicating that Nowak intended to pursue an insanity defense. Her lawyer stated that she suffered from major depression,obsessive-compulsive disorder , Asperger's syndrome,insomnia , and "brief psychotic disorder with marked stressors" at the time of the incident.Cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/space/2007-08-28-nowak-defense_N.htm|title=Lisa Nowak pursuing insanity defense|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=USA Today |year=2007|author=Associated Press]On
November 2 , 2007, the trial judge ruled to suppress Nowak's initial (pre-Miranda) statements to police, as well as all evidence found in her vehicle, citing police misconduct in their initial search and questioning.Cite web|url=http://www.wesh.com/news/14498841/detail.html|title=Judge: Evidence From Nowak's Car Not Allowed In Court|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=January 21|publisher=WESH Channel 2 NBC|year=2007|author=WESH.com] The prosecution appealed that ruling onNovember 8 . A hearing on that appeal has been scheduled forOctober 21 , 2008 Cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-lisa-nowak-hearing-090908,0,2006179.story|title=Hearing set for Oct. 21 in Lisa Nowak case|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=September 11|publisher=Orlando Sentinal|year=2008|author=Sarah Lundy] .In popular culture
*Her case was used as inspiration for the episode "" on "", which aired
May 1 ,2007 . [cite news|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/05012007/tv/lust_in_space_tv_adam_buckman.htm|author=Adam Buckman|publisher=The New York Post |title=Lust in Space: Astro-Nut Blasts Off On 'L&O'|date=2007-05-01|accessdate=2007-05-04]
*She was referenced in the "30 Rock " episode "The Fighting Irish ", in which Liz wanted to fire her romantic rival.
*She is referenced in the Common song "Drivin' Me Wild " from the 2007 album "Finding Forever ", in a verse where the rapper says, "Doing all that she can for a man and a baby/Driving herself crazy like the astronaut lady".
*Her kidnapping attempt was parodied on the 2007 show of the annualVH1 special "Best Year Ever".
*Her kidnapping incident appeared in "MAD" magazine's "Top 20 dumbest people, events, and things" of 2007 as #8.
*American sports TV hostJim Rome harshly lambasted Nowak on "Jim Rome is Burning " & cited that the Orlando police should not have arrested her for attempted murder, but for a charge of "a person wearing a diaper over the age of 3!"
*The pilot episode of the series "Chuck" depicts "Astro Diapers" on display on the wall as a background as the main character enters "Large Mart" to make a purchase.
*Lisa Nowak's alleged use of diapers was the subject of a question on Britain's "Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2007".
*A verse in Ben Folds' song Cologne on the albumWay To Normal says, "Says here an astronaut/Put on a pair of diapers/Drove eighteen hours/To kill her boyfriend," in an allusion to the kidnapping charges against Lisa Nowak.References
External links
* [http://www.wsradio.com/wsradio-player.cfm/type/windows/show/Go-Navy-Radio/segment/8304.html Lisa Nowak Audio Interview] on Go Navy Radio, December 18, 2006
* [http://us.video.aol.com/video.index.adp?mode=1&pmmsid=1746101 Lisa Nowak Postflight Audio Interview] from [http://reference.aol.com/ AOL Research & Learn] October 18, 2006
* [http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/video/shuttle/sts-121/net56/sts-121_fdh08_02_56.asf Lisa Nowak Inflight Video Interview - Spaceflight Experience] NASA (Windows Media Player)
* [http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/video/shuttle/sts-121/net56/sts121_fd10_2_56.asf Lisa Nowak Inflight Video Interview - Eating and Family Contact] NASA (Windows Media Player)
* [http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/audio/shuttle/sts-121/wave/fd04.wav Lisa Nowak Inflight Audio - Wake Up Call on Flight Day 4 with Her Response] NASA (Wav)Further reading
*"Out There: The In-Depth Story of the Astronaut Love Triangle Case that Shocked America" -
Diane Fanning - St. Martin's Paperbacks - 2007 - ISBN 0312949308
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