Statement Regarding the Status of Lisa Nowak

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.