Former Astronaut Lisa Nowak Confronts Rival
Background and Motivation
On February 4, 2007, former American astronaut Lisa Nowak traveled cross-country to confront a romantic rival. Nowak had previously been considered for a second space flight as a mission specialist but was passed over in favor of Stephanie Wilson.
Nowak had previously been considered for a second space flight as a mission specialist but was passed over in favor of Stephanie Wilson.
Cross-Country Journey and Preparation
Less than a week after the selection, Nowak prepared to intercept Air Force Captain Colleen Shipman, who was dating astronaut William Oefelein, Nowak's former lover. Nowak drove approximately 1550 km from Houston to Orlando. She was equipped with a BB pistol, pepper spray, a drilling hammer, and a knife, and was dressed in a trenchcoat and a black wig.
Nowak drove approximately 1550 km from Houston to Orlando. She was equipped with a BB pistol, pepper spray, a drilling hammer, and a knife, and was dressed in a trenchcoat and a black wig.
The Confrontation and Legal Proceedings
Nowak confronted Shipman at Orlando International Airport as Shipman entered her car, subsequently pepper-spraying her. Nowak was then arrested and faced charges including attempted kidnapping, attempted murder, battery, attempted vehicle burglary, and destruction of evidence.
Nowak was then arrested and faced charges including attempted kidnapping, attempted murder, battery, attempted vehicle burglary, and destruction of evidence.
Shipman informed police that Nowak had been stalking her for two months. During the police interrogation, Nowak stated she had worn a diaper during her drive to avoid stopping, a claim she later denied. The charges were later reduced through a plea deal, resulting in a sentence of one year's probation.
During the police interrogation, Nowak stated she had worn a diaper during her drive to avoid stopping, a claim she later denied.
Consequences and Subsequent Developments
Nowak was removed from NASA and later from the Navy. She divorced the following year. Oefelein and Shipman subsequently married and relocated to Alaska.
Nowak was removed from NASA and later from the Navy.