NASA astronaut Anne McClain under accusation for alleged space violation, a potential first in history
In an unprecedented turn of events, Anne McClain, director of the Global Space Law Center at Cleveland State University, finds herself at the centre of an investigation surrounding allegations of crimes committed aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
McClain, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and astronaut, is being accused of multiple crimes, including accessing her estranged wife's bank account. The investigation was initiated by McClain's wife, Summer Worden, who filed a complaint with NASA's Office of Inspector General.
According to The New York Times' investigation, one of the computers that had accessed Worden's account was registered with NASA. However, it's important to note that there is no verifiable information or credible source confirming that Anne McClain committed multiple crimes during her mission on the ISS; no exact time frame for such alleged crimes exists.
The conflict between the two women began when Worden noticed McClain knew intimate details about her spending. McClain, in her defence, stated she was viewing the account from space to ensure Worden had enough money to pay bills and take care of their son. She also mentioned that she never received any indication from Worden that she shouldn't still be able to access the account.
McClain used the same password as before to access the account. This access, according to Worden, constitutes identity theft and the viewing of private financial records. Worden's parents believe McClain was accessing the account as part of a "highly calculated and manipulated campaign" to obtain custody of Worden's son.
It's worth noting that McClain was set to be part of NASA's first all-female spacewalk, but issues with equipment and her return to earth delayed the effort. McClain joined NASA in 2013 after more than a decade in the army.
The investigation is ongoing, and as of the publication date of this article, no charges have been officially filed against Anne McClain. McClain admitted to accessing the account after returning to earth, but denied any wrongdoing.
Summer Worden is in the midst of a separation and child custody dispute with McClain. The two married in 2014, but Worden filed for divorce in 2018 after McClain accused her of assault. Worden denies these claims.
This case marks a historic moment, as there had been no known allegation of a crime committed in space before. If found guilty, McClain would be the first person ever sentenced to a crime committed from space.
The investigation's outcome remains uncertain, but it serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise even in the most extraordinary of settings.
