Astro-nut arrested in bizarre kidnapping plot

Determination. Discipline. Goal-setting. These are among the qualities that make up a good astronaut--and based on her recent half-way across the country journey, Lisa Nowak possesses "The Right Stuff" to be an astronaut. And she is just that, having flown on the space shuttle Discovery last year.

But like a pistol ending up in unwise hands, Nowak's skills proved to be hazardous for her.

An astronaut charged with attempting to kidnap a romantic rival in a love triangle with another astronaut was allowed to go free on bail today on the condition that she not contact the alleged victim.

U.S. Navy Capt. Lisa Nowak, 43, a robotics specialist who flew last July on a shuttle mission to the international space station, drove 900 miles (from her home in Houston to Orlando International Airport, donned a disguise and was armed with a BB gun and pepper spray when she confronted Colleen Shipman, who she believed was romantically involved with fellow astronaut, Navy Cmdr. William Oefelein.

During the drive, she wore diapers--as astronauts do during launch and re-entry--so she would not have to stop to go to the bathroom.

In court today, the judge said Nowak could be released on $15,500 bond under the condition that she does not contact her alleged victim. She said "yes" when the judge asked her if she understood not to contact the woman.

Nowak, a married mother of three, stood in a jail uniform, with her head down as the hearing was under way. Along with the attempted kidnapping charge, she also faces charges of attempted vehicle burglary with battery, destruction of evidence and battery.

Dr. Sanity is a Pajamas Media blogger and a psychiatrist who used to perform psychological screenings on potential NASA astronauts. Here is her take on this story.

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