NASA Statement Regarding the Status of Astronaut Lisa Nowak

HOUSTON – U.S. Navy Capt. Lisa Nowak’s detail as a NASA astronaut has
been terminated, effective March 8, by mutual agreement between NASA
and the U.S. Navy.

Nowak, an active duty naval officer, began her detail with NASA
following selection as a member of the astronaut class of 1996. She
flew one mission, STS-121 in 2006.

NASA requested an end to the detail because the agency lacks the
administrative means to deal appropriately with the criminal charges
pending against Nowak. 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 will receive her next assignment from the U.S. Navy.

NASA’s decision to terminate Nowak’s detail does not reflect any
position by NASA on the criminal charges pending in Florida.

Further inquiries concerning Nowak’s status and activities should be
directed to the chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs, (703)
614-2000