The estranged wife of NASA astronaut Anne McClain, Summer Worden, has admitted to fabricating a claim that her former spouse committed a crime in space, according to federal prosecutors. The case, which initially generated significant speculation and media attention, involved accusations that McClain, who was aboard the International Space Station, accessed Worden’s bank account improperly.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas confirmed that Worden pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement about the alleged crime. She now faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The charges relate to a claim that was the first alleged offense committed in space, which prompted investigations from the Federal Trade Commission and NASA’s Inspector General.
Prosecutors stated that Worden alleged her spouse had accessed her bank account while he was stationed in orbit. However, further inquiry revealed that Worden had actually opened the account in April 2018, and both parties accessed it until January 2019 when she changed the credentials. The investigation confirmed that Worden had granted her spouse access to her bank records from at least 2015, including her login information. The situation underscores the importance of understanding digital security and privacy in the context of personal relationships.
McClain, a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran, joined NASA in 2013 and returned to the International Space Station in March as commander of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission. The case also highlights the personal and professional challenges that come with space exploration, as well as the potential for misunderstandings in digital access issues.