Lisa Nowak: Astronaut or Astronut?

On February 5, 2007, Lisa Nowak was arrested at the Orlando International Airport on charges of attempted kidnapping, battery, attempted vehicle burglary with battery and destruction of evidence. Since then, we have all learned about her wig and diaper wearing road trip. We have heard all the news reports and late night comedian's jokes. However, just who is Lisa Nowak?

Lisa Caputo was born in Washington D.C on May 10, 1963. She graduated from C.W. Woodward High School in Rockville, Maryland in 1981. She then proceeded to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering and a degree of aeronautical and astronautical engineer from the U.S. Naval postgraduate school both in 1992.

She received her commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in May of 1985. Six months of temporary duty at the Johnson Space Center, she then reported to flight school. In June 1987, she earned her wings as a naval flight officer. While assigned to the Electronic Warfare Aggressor Squadron 34 at Point Musu, California she qualified as Mission Commander. She has logged over 1,500 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft.

After Lisa Nowak received her commission, she was assigned temporary duty. From June to November 1985 she provided engineering support for the JSC's Shuttle Training Aircraft Branch at Ellington, Texas. In April 1996, she reported to the Johnson Space Center after being selected by NASA. Since she had completed two years of training and evaluation, Nowak became qualified for flight assignment as a mission specialist.

July 4 - 17, 2006 was a return-to-flight test mission and assembly flight to the International Space Station (ISS). Nowak was part of the 13-day flight where the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery tested new equipment and procedures that increase the safety of space shuttles. Nowak was responsible for operating the remote arm during repairing a rail car on the ISS and scheduled exercises.