Former astronaut Nowak back in court today - Pleads Guilty

November 10, 11:15 AMTampa Space Program News ExaminerJason Rhian

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The first astronaut to be arrested: Lisa Nowak.
Image Credit: Orange County Sheriff's Office

Former astronaut Lisa Nowak will be in court in Orlando today consider a possible plea deal stemming from her alleged assault on Air Force officer and romantic rival - Colleen Shipman back in 2007.  According to police reports Nowak traveled from Texas to Orlando where she shadowed Shipman after she arrived at the Orlando International Airport.   After catching up with Shipman who had just entered her car Nowak is said to have cried, knocked repeatedly on the window and then pepper-sprayed Shipman when she rolled down the window.  Shipman immediately reported the incident and Nowak was arrested.

Nowak allegedly attacked Shipman because she was involved with Nowak's former love interest and fellow astronaut William Oefelein.  The pretrial hearing today will discuss whether Nowak accepts or rejects a proposed plea deal offered by prosecutors.  Currently, Nowak faces charges of attempted kidnapping, burglary and battery with assault with the trial date slated for next month.

                                                                                  *UPDATE*

Lisa Nowak has pleaded guilty to felony burglary and misdemeanor battery charges. Initially she had been charged with two felonies, attempted kidnapping and burglary and with a misdemeanor charge of battery.  She was given a sentence of one year of probation.