Lisa Nowak

Lisa Nowak, born on May 10, 1963, in Washington, D.C., is a distinguished American aeronautical engineer and former NASA astronaut. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy in 1985, she began her career as a naval flight officer and test pilot, where she honed her skills flying various aircraft, including the EA-7L Corsair and the EA-6B Prowler. Nowak's dedication and expertise led her to be selected for NASA Astronaut Group 16 in 1996, where she specialized in robotics.

In July 2006, Nowak made her mark in space as a mission specialist aboard Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-121 mission. Her responsibilities included operating the robotic arms of both the shuttle and the International Space Station, showcasing her technical prowess and commitment to advancing space exploration.

However, her career took a dramatic turn in 2007 when she became embroiled in a highly publicized incident involving criminal misconduct. After an altercation with Colleen Shipman, a U.S. Air Force captain, Nowak faced serious charges, including attempted kidnapping and burglary. Following a plea deal, she pleaded guilty to felony burglary and misdemeanor battery, resulting in her demotion from captain to commander and termination from NASA.

Despite the challenges she faced, Nowak's military career was marked by significant achievements, including logging over one thousand five hundred hours in more than thirty aircraft and receiving multiple awards, such as the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. After twenty-five years of service, she was retired from the Navy under other than honorable conditions.

As of 2017, Lisa Nowak has transitioned to the private sector in Texas, continuing to apply her skills and experience beyond her illustrious career in the military and space exploration.