Judge Attempts to Limit Astronaut Trial ‘Frenzy’

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The judge presiding over the trial of fired astronaut Lisa Marie Nowak asked lawyers on both sides Thursday to limit media contact, and temporarily sealed some court documents.

Nowak is accused of trying to kidnap a rival for a space shuttle pilot’s affections.

The case has drawn international attention, and Orange County Circuit Judge Marc L. Lubet said he was “just trying to keep the media frenzy down to a dull roar.”

Lubet did not bar attorneys from talking to reporters, but told both sides they weren’t allowed to issue any “press releases.” Neither the defense nor the prosecution objected, but neither had sought any restrictions.

Nowak was fired from NASA about a month after her Feb. 5 arrest. 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.

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