Nasa has begun reviewing their psychological screening process, after the arrest of Lisa Nowak, who is being prosecuted for attempted murder and attempted kidnapping, among other charges. The agency has stated that they need to ensure that their policies are stern and rigorous enough to decipher even the most hidden information. Nowak flew on the space shuttle Discovery in July of last year. Nasa has never faced a situation like the one at hand, so they feel as though behavioural and pyschological examination is necessary.
Obviously while this is an extremely unique case, one that will in all likelihood come around once every lifetime, it brings up a few questions. What are Nasa's screening processes like? How extensive is the questioning? What kind of research is put into the applicants history? While romantic triangles are often the roots of kidnapping and other various violent acts, Nowak's actions were in no way rational (to the onlooker, at least). As an astronaut, someone who goes through extreme physical training and needs to be exceptionally determined, you would think their judgment would be slightly more sound.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6340757.stm
No comments:
Post a Comment