Astronaut146;s attack is 145;narcissistic disorder146;

NASA astronauts undergo a psychological assessment when they join the space agency...

NASA astronauts undergo a psychological assessment when they join the space agency, but they face no further evaluations during their careers unless issues arise during annual flight physicals, the space agency said Tuesday. 8220;No other psychological assessments are done for shuttle astronauts after that initial one unless a concern is raised,8217;8217; said NASA public affairs officer Katherine Trinidad.

Navy Captain Lisa Marie Nowak8217;s problems slipped beneath NASA8217;s radar and surfaced on Monday in a bizarre meltdown and alleged assault on Air Force Captain Colleen Shipman in an Orlando airport parking lot. Nowak is believed to be the only astronaut ever charged with a felony.

No one has publicly ascribed a psychological malady to Nowak. But her behavior suggests a syndrome seen among high achievers, called 8220;narcissistic personality disorder,8217;8217; said Maryland psychiatrist Dr Jack Vaeth. Thwarted in their ambitions or conquests, people accustomed to success, adulation and entitlement may slide into a rage or a disastrous series of decisions that can bring down their careers. When a narcissist8217;s achievement or conquest is thwarted, he or she can fall into a rage, Vaeth said.

Nowak, who is married with three kids, is the epitome of a high achiever. She is a US Naval Academy graduate with a master8217;s degree in aeronautical engineering; a decorated Navy veteran and test pilot who has logged more than 1,500 hours in 30 different types of aircraft, according to NASA. Liza M Nowak, 43

8226; Mission specialist on space shuttle Discovery flight from July 4-17

On Monday, Howak allegedly drove from Houston to Orlando to confront Colleen Shipman about her relationship with Willian A Oefelein. Authorities found a pepper spray, an unused BB gun cartridge, latex gloves and emails from Shipman to Oefelein in Nowak8217;s car.

William A Oefelein, 41

8226; Piloted the Discovery flight from Dec 9-22. He and Nowak trained together. Nowak reportedly characterised her relationship with Oefelein as 8220;more than a working relationship but less than a romantic relationship.8221;

Collen Shipman, 30

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8226; Air Force captain stationed at a base near Kennedy Space Center.

8211;Frank D Roylance