Accused astronaut comes out of her seclusion

(2/09/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- On Friday afternoon, NASA astronaut Lisa Nowak ventured away from her Clear Lake house and went to Johnson Space Center.

Nowak drove clear across the United States to confront a romantic rival. She faces attempted murder charges, but is out on bond.

Since returning home to Houston on Wednesday astronaut Lisa Nowak has remained in seclusion -- until Friday -- and our cameras were there.

Wearing a windbreaker and sunglasses, Lisa Nowak ventured out of her Clear Lake area home around 9:30am. She was accompanied by astronaut Steve Bowen, who drove her to the Johnson Space Center.

NASA officials confirmed that Nowak was undergoing more medical evaluations at the space center. But as the exclusive video shows, Nowak and Bowen initially had problems getting into the NASA building, waiting several minutes outside until finally getting inside.

In the meantime, astronaut Bill Oefelein, the man Nowak was apparently pining for, has taken a leave of absence from NASA.

Back in Clear Lake, Nowak has been supported by a tight knit group of neighbors who remain leery of the media. Nowak's parents, who have been with her since Wednesday, were seen bringing groceries home around midday. And early Friday afternoon, Nowak returned from Johnson Space Center. Offering no comments to the awaiting media, she headed back into seclusion.

Behind the scenes, NASA is re-evaluating portions of its astronaut program. In the meantime, Nowak related photos and souvenirs are selling for big bucks.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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