Judge to unseal papers in astronaut trial

updated 4:55 p.m. ET April 6, 2007

ORLANDO, Fla. - A judge agreed to the release of some court documents in fired astronaut Lisa Nowak’s case, including the search warrant for her car, hours after ordering the papers sealed.

Prosecutors could release the documents as early as next week in the case against Nowak, who is accused of trying to kidnap a rival for a space shuttle pilot’s affections.

Orange Circuit Court Judge Marc Lubet said Thursday that he was “just trying to keep the media frenzy down to a dull roar” when he ordered the records temporarily off limit to the public. Later that evening, he reversed his decision in a written statement, saying he wouldn’t stop prosecutors from releasing any additional records, with the exception of psychological evaluations or notices of an insanity defense.

“I further considered my position and decided that everything should be released except the psychological reports,” Lubet told the Orlando Sentinel. “The state can send out whatever they want.”

Defense attorney Donald Lykkebak had argued the release of some documents would violate Nowak’s privacy. He did not immediately return calls to his office Friday.

Nowak was fired from NASA about a month after her Feb. 5 arrest. Police say she drove from Houston to Orlando to confront Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman in an airport parking lot and then pepper-sprayed her. Shipman, who was dating astronaut Bill Oefelein, was able to get away.

Police reported finding a BB gun, steel mallet, knife and rubber tubing in Nowak’s car.

Nowak, 43, a married mother of three, has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted kidnapping, burglary with assault and battery. She is free on bail but did not attend the hearing Thursday.

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