NASA reviewing screening after astronaut arrest

Houston, Feb 8: US space agency NASA said today it would review the way astronauts are screened for medical and psychological problems after the arrest of an astronaut on attempted murder and kidnapping charges.

Shana Dale, NASA deputy administrator told a news conference in Washington that ''astronauts are incredible performers,'' but the agency needs to make sure there was nothing more it needs to do given the current situation.

US space shuttle astronaut Lisa Nowak returned to Houston where she lives earlier today and was to undergo mental evaluation at Johnson Space Center after her arrest on charges she tried to kill a romantic rival for a fellow astronaut.

Nowak has told police she raced in her car nearly 1,600 km from Houston to catch up with Air Force Capt Colleen Shipman after learning she was flying back to her home near Orlando from the Texas city.

Reuters

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