In 2007, the world was astonished by the bizarre case of Lisa Nowak, a decorated NASA astronaut who threw away her career for a cross-country attempt to carry out a kidnapping plot. What started out as a great success story spiraled into tabloid headlines about love triangles, stalking, and adult diapers. It became one of NASA's most notorious scandals in a scenario so weird it inspired a Hollywood film.
From Navy Officer To NASA Astronaut
Lisa Nowak was no ordinary woman. A graduate of the US Naval Academy and a test pilot, she earned her master's degree in aeronautical engineering and was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate in 1996. By 2006 she’d flown on the Space Shuttle Discovery on a mission to the International Space Station, making a mark through her intelligence and discipline.
Evil Monkey, Wikimedia Commons
The Love Triangle That Sparked A Breakdown
Back on Earth, Nowak’s personal life was far more chaotic. She’d been dating fellow astronaut William Oefelein, but they broke up sometime in 2006. Soon after, Oefelein began dating Colleen Shipman, a US Air Force Captain. According to court documents, Nowak was obsessed with Oefelein and viewed Shipman as an obstacle to be eliminated.
A Cross-Country Drive Fueled By Obsession
In February 2007, Nowak drove 900 miles from Houston to Orlando to confront Shipman as she returned from a flight. According to police reports, Nowak wore a trench coat, disguise, and carried a knife, rubber tubing, a BB gun, and garbage bags. One famous detail: she reportedly wore adult diapers on the trip to avoid bathroom breaks. Nowak later denied this claim.
The Airport Confrontation
At Orlando International Airport, Nowak went up to Shipman in a parking lot and asked her for a ride. When Shipman rolled down her window, Nowak sprayed her in the face with pepper spray. Shipman managed to get away and alert authorities. Police arrested Nowak nearby, and the disturbing contents of her car made it clear that this wasn't a chance encounter, but part of a premeditated plan.
Charges And Career Fallout
Nowak was initially charged with attempted kidnapping, burglary, and battery, with prosecutors later adding charges of attempted murder, though those were later dropped. She pled guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to a year's probation. The fallout was immediate: NASA dismissed her, the first time the agency had ever publicly fired an astronaut.
The Diaper Detail That Gripped The Public
Nowak denied wearing diapers, but the bizarre detail became the story’s most enduring—and ridiculed—element. It was a sad symbol of how far she’d fallen from her once-proud image. In reality, astronauts do wear diapers during takeoff and reentry, but the idea of using one on a hare-brained kidnapping scheme was too much for the media to resist.
A Life After Infamy
After her legal troubles, Nowak retreated from public life. She was quietly discharged from the Navy with an “other than honorable” designation but retained her rank of Captain. By most accounts, she has sought privacy and normalcy since the scandal, avoiding interviews and public appearances. Shipman, the intended victim, went on to marry Oefelein, and the couple has since spoken out about the emotional impact of the incident.
Hollywood Takes Notice
The story was adapted into the 2019 film “Lucy in the Sky”, starring Natalie Portman as Nowak. Directed by Noah Hawley, the movie depicted the psychological unraveling of a female astronaut on her return from space. The film got mixed reviews and was criticized for going astray and failing to capture the complexity of Nowak’s downfall.
Psychological Questions And Public Fascination
The case raised questions about the mental health screening of astronauts. Critics argued that the high-pressure environment of NASA masked signs of psychological distress. Others noted that, despite her actions, Nowak had no prior criminal history or signs of instability. The incident forced NASA to reevaluate how it supports the emotional well-being of its personnel.
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A Story Too Strange To Forget
Lisa Nowak’s descent from orbiting Earth to stalking a romantic rival, became a classic story of obsession, isolation, and losing control of one's emotions. Though years have passed, the combination of science, scandal, and psychological unraveling means the case won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
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