A NASA astronaut’s estranged wife pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement over what was alleged to be the first crime to be committed in space. Summer Worden, the ex-wife of astronaut Anne McClain, admitted to falsely accusing her spouse of accessing her bank account while McClain was aboard the International Space Station.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, Worden’s actions led to inquiries from the Federal Trade Commission and NASA’s Inspector General. She now faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine for her lies. The court is set for sentencing on February 12, 2026, with Worden currently under bond.
Worden’s false claims sparked a detailed investigation that revealed her own role in the situation. The probe found that she had opened the account in April 2018 and had allowed McClain access from at least 2015, including her login credentials. The divorce between Worden and McClain occurred in January 2020, according to reports from KSDK news.
The New York Times noted Worden’s background as a decorated Air Force intelligence officer, while McClain, a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran, recently returned to the International Space Station as commander of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission. The case highlights the complexities of personal relationships and legal repercussions in high-profile space missions.
The incident also brought to light the potential for misuse of the space environment as a setting for personal conflicts. As Worden faces the consequences of her actions, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of truth in legal and public matters, particularly when they involve significant public figures and high-profile events like space exploration.