What Happened, Lisa?
Harry Smith: Lisa Nowak Will Be Remembered For Her Crash Landing
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Nowak Friend On NASA Stress
NASA flight surgeon Dr. Jon Clark, a longtime friend of astronaut Lisa Nowak, discusses with Hannah Storm the tremendous stress astronauts face. He says that we owe Nowak "the benefit of a doubt."
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Nowak Case Prompts NASA Review
NASA has announced that in light of the Lisa Nowak case, they are now reviewing the selection process of all astronauts and the amount of screening they get after a mission. Sharyn Alfonsi reports.
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NASA Reviews Screening Process
NASA announced that it will review its psychological screening process after astronaut Lisa Nowak was arrested on charges of attempted murder. Sharyn Alfonsi has more.
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Photo
Astronaut Lisa Nowak tries to avoid reporters at Orlando International Airport. (AP Photo)
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Photo Essay
Astronaut Arrested
Charged with attempted murder in alleged kidnap attempt of romantic rival in love triangle with another astronaut.
Do you remember "The Right Stuff," Tom Wolfe's brilliant book about the early astronauts? So impressive, these brave young men — and so ready for prime time; the media couldn't get enough of them. In the film version, every time the press was around, you could hear the locusts literally eating up the moment.
So here we go again. Lisa Nowak's pathetic, diapered journey to Orlando with her steel mallet and garbage bags was not the stuff the fathers of the space program were dreaming of when NASA was born. She passed every possible test: Naval Academy, pilot, scientist, shuttle ride. The only difference between her and the Mercury Seven was that they had Corvettes and she had three kids.
Maybe, as one of her friends said today, she missed the buzz — the high that comes with the job. Falling in love is like being shot into space — unfortunately, where you're going to land is not the first thing on your mind. Poor Lisa will be known forever for crash-landing in an airport parking garage.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.
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