NASA Astronaut Arrested for Kidnap Attempt

Colleges & Universities United States Naval Academy (USNA)
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<p>Oh, the USAF is VERY aware of who puts more astronauts in space. However, my hub’s alma mater has put in two. One was Deke Slayton, so he’s cool.</p>

<p>They just want something to poke fun at. Of course they don’t have something intelligent to say.</p>

<p>I don’t think this will affect women in the space program. I think this may affect all. The two astronauts weren’t in court just to support Mrs. Nowak; they were there to come up with a plan on damage control. </p>

<p>NASA will be reworking all training and selection processes; not what I know, but just a hunch.</p>

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<p>Not sure that this situation indicates anything wrong with their selection process. After all, there have been astronauts for over 40 years and this is the first incident of this type (believe a male astronaut committed suicide a few years back). Also, LN was an astronaut for over 10 yrs before this event; as best as anyone knows, nothing like this occurred in her entire life up to this point. Thus, not sure the selection process is at issue. </p>

<p>There may, however, be a need to examine life as an astronaut. Lots of incredibly talented, highly educated, type A personalities who join NASA (presumably) to go into space but may not get that opportunity for at least a decade, may get only one trip into space, and may not have enough to do during their many years of “down time” other than training and PR events.</p>

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<p>Folks, let’s take a step back and breath for a minute…</p>

<p>This entire sordid incident will only put the space program, or the women within it or aspiring to it, back if the ignorant opportunists in society let it. As my fellow Ringknocker USNA1985 so eloquently stated, the behavior of one person should not tarnish the reputation of the rest. If that were the case, then the entire U.S. Government should be shut down immediately, along with Hollywood, Wall Street, every organized church in existence, and any organization with more than 2 people in it.</p>

<p>So this poor woman obviously went nuts. I can feel both pity and revulsion toward her, but I’m not going to paint, say, Sally Ride with that brush. Plenty of extremely intelligent and emminently qualified women have and will continue to go into space, as will Navy Captains and graduates of USNA, and Americans, and Humans.</p>

<p>As to CAPT Nowalk, while I still consider what she did to be perhaps the most STUPID thing ever done by an intelligent person (I guess being married, a mom, a Navy Captain, and a veteran active-duty astronaut wasn’t enough… Wha? ), the fact remains that the poor woman, for whatever reason, is obviously deranged. (So is the judge that let her out on bail, but that’s another thread for another forum.) She needs help, and believe me, I’m not one to feel sorry for criminals very often.</p>

<p>So let’s please try to keep the hyperbole and wild conclusions to a minimum. You know what happened today? A future astronaut woke up this morning at USNA and went to class as if nothing had happened. Life goes on.</p>

<p>Also, let’s cut USNA1985 some slack. She just happened to be in the same class as this person. That doesn’t mean she knows her or remembers her well or can provide some juicy insight. Lay off, please. For those who have never experienced it, news like this cuts deep when your class is involved whether you knew the person or not. It doesn’t help to have a bunch of strangers online (CC and SAF Family status notwithstanding) jumping all over you like e-papparazzi.</p>

<p>Zaphod out.</p>

<p>ETA: And before anyone asks, no, USNA1985 doesn’t need me to defend her. Sadly, however, my dad taught me in the old-fashioned ways, so I’m one of those who throws himself between a woman and the threat. Sue me.</p>

<p>Chivalry may be dying, but I’ll be damned before I let it die while I’m still breathing.</p>

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<p>I said “Training and Selection.” The astronaut corp has a higher incidence of divorce. Part of their (NASA’s) training should include astronaut/family support. We have friends in the corp, and it is horribly stressful. </p>

<p>Great, they’ve been doing for 40 years. And? It’s not always perfect. There have been astronaut candidates (a very few, but) who have gotten through, never flown, and that’s a good thing. Needs, family situations (dynamics) change. They (NASA) need to keep up with changing times.</p>

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<p>Yep…he hadn’t even heard about it!</p>

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<p>Hmm, profmom2. Sounds like he has his priorities in place.</p>