"U.S. Navy Capt. Lisa Nowak's detail as a NASA astronaut has been terminated, effective March 8, by mutual agreement between NASA and the U.S. Navy."

According to NASA, the agency took the step because it "lacks the administrative means to deal appropriately with the criminal charges pending against Nowak."

The statement also made clear that the agency's decision did not reflect an official position on the criminal charges Nowak faces in Florida.

Lisa Nowak remains on active duty status with the U.S. Navy and her next assignment will come from that branch of the Department of Defense. Nowak flew on one Space Shuttle mission, that of Discovery during STS-121 (2006).

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