Former astronaut accused of trying to kidnap rival reports for new job at Texas Navy station

Lisa Nowak, the former astronaut accused of trying to kidnap a rival for a space shuttle pilot's affections, has reported for duty at her new job at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.

Photo: Former astronaut accused of trying to kidnap rival reports for new job at Texas Navy station

The Navy captain was told of her duties as a curriculum development worker for the chief of naval air training and processed with base authorities on Wednesday, said Lt. Sean Robertson, a spokesman for the office.

"She checked in like anybody would check in for their first day of work," Robertson told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times for its Thursday editions. "She had to check in with various departments. She had to make sure everyone has her in the system."

Robertson said Nowak will begin her duties at the base by the end of April.

Nowak was fired earlier this month by NASA. She was arrested Feb. 5. Police say she drove from Houston to Florida to confront Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman in an Orlando 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's trial is scheduled to begin in July on charges of attempted kidnapping, burglary with assault and battery. She has pleaded not guilty.