Lisa Nowak, former NASA astronaut, freed from ankle monitor

Ex-astronaut Lisa Nowak now is able to swim with her kids, lace up her Navy uniform boot and exercise -- all without the hassles of wearing a global-positioning device strapped to her ankle.

Photo: Lisa Nowak, former NASA astronaut, freed from ankle monitor

The Navy captain, accused of attacking her romantic rival at Orlando International Airport, complained that the half-pound monitor got in the way of her lifestyle.

On Thursday, Orange Circuit Court Judge Marc Lubet granted Nowak's request to remove the device that cost her $105 a week and tracked her anywhere in the world. It was removed from her leg by the end of the day, said an official involved in the monitoring, report Orlando Sentinel.

Nowak, a U.S. Navy captain, is charged with attempted kidnapping, battery and attempted vehicle burglary with a battery in connection with her alleged attack on U.S. Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman over their mutual love interest -- former astronaut and U.S. Navy Commander Bill Oefelein.

The ankle monitor was put in place to ensure Nowak did not travel to Brevard County , where Shipman lives.

Through her attorney, Nowak said she was relieved.

"It's a great relief not to worry about safety issues related to the batteries life while I'm driving," Nowak said through her attorney. "I'm also really looking forward to getting back into my former aerobic fitness programs."

Shipman's attorney Kepler Funk was outraged.

"In our opinion, justice requires that Lisa Nowak's aerobic fitness should not override Colleen Shipman's peace of mind," Funk said, reports Florida Today.

Source: Agencies