Arrest prompts NASA selection review

There's nothing wrong with NASA reviewing how they screen astronauts nor in the support they provide them after being hired. Its unfortunate an alleged murder attempt prompted it.

A shocked NASA said on Wednesday it would review its screening process for mental and medical problems after astronaut Lisa Nowak's arrest on charges she tried to kill a romantic rival for another astronaut.

The U.S. space agency said it had no indication before Nowak was jailed on Monday in Orlando, Florida, that she was troubled. It said it would look for flaws in its selection and support system for astronauts.

However, I'm sure this sort of thing happens all the time. Most of us have heard of homicidal police officers. They're few, but do slip through. And that's because psychological tests can't uncover all the dark secrets in a person's soul. I also would guess such tests are even less effective at discovering who is likely to "lose it" when in love and jealous.

(read more)