'Love triangle' astronaut charged

Capt Nowak said she did not intend to harm her supposed rival

Lisa Nowak, the US astronaut who drove from Texas to Florida to confront a supposed love rival, has been charged with attempted kidnapping.

But she was not charged with attempted murder, as was proposed when she was arrested in Orlando nearly a month ago.

Capt Nowak made headlines for her drive, wearing a nappy so she would not have to stop to use the toilet.

The US space agency Nasa announced it would review its psychological testing procedures after the incident.

Authorities say Capt Nowak, 43, drove 1,000 miles (1,600km) to confront Air Force Capt Colleen Shipman, whom she believed was a rival for the affections of a third astronaut.

She is reported to have followed the woman in disguise before confronting her as she got into her car.

Police say Capt Nowak then sprayed pepper spray at Capt Shipman's car.

She was arrested, ordered to wear a monitoring device and to stay away from Capt Shipman in the future.

Capt Nowak last flew into space in July on the shuttle Discovery.