NASA Scrutinizes First Alleged Space‑Bound Crime
Newyork Times reported that the U.S. space agency is digging into what might be the first crime ever committed in orbit. The case involves astronaut Anne McClain, who allegedly tapped into her estranged wife’s private bank account while deep‑space drifting on the International Space Station.
What the Report Says
- Anne McClain is accused of identity theft and misusing her wife Summer Worden’s financial records during a six‑month mission on the ISS.
- Worden filed a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission after discovering McClain had accessed her bank account without permission.
- Worden’s family also lodged a grievance with NASA’s Office of Inspector General, prompting an official investigation.
- McClain’s lawyer claims the astronaut was simply monitoring their shared finances out of concern, an action she routinely performed throughout their relationship.
Investigations in Progress
NASA officials have reached out to both women. At the time of writing, McClain had just returned to Earth in June, having gained celebrity status after being selected for a historic all‑female spacewalk. That walk was later canceled in March over a lack of properly fitting suits, fueling allegations of sexism.
Worden revealed that the FTC had not yet responded to the identity‑theft complaint, but a NASA “criminal investigator” is now on the case, according to the Times.
Why This Matters
While we usually think of crime on the ground, the cosmos now has its own spotlight. If the allegations hold, Emily of space‑law will see its first precedent—no longer just orbiting science, but also battling legal turf wars beyond our planet.
