Explicit E-mail Exchange May Have Provoked Astronaut Lisa Nowak's Breakdown

March 6, 2007 — -- The following e-mail exchanges obtained by ABC News were written by space shuttle pilot Bill Oefelein & Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman. They were found in the possession of astronaut Lisa Nowak when she was arrested after driving from Houston to Orlando in order to confront Shipman.

Oefelein received this first e-mail while he was on a shuttle mission in space.

FROM: COLLEEN
SENT: Thursday, December, 21, 2006 9:46 PM
TO: WILLIAM
SUBJECT: I need a rub down

15 year of gymnastics caught up with me today.

I turned my head to look at the mechanic after he handed me the bill, and now I've got the biggest crick in my shoulder blade.

Whew! That'll wake you up!

I really lucked out. Only $500 (that's 2 helicopter lessons) of routine, really. 80,000 miles and I had never change the spark plugs … whoops… heh heh.

Was stranded at dance class at Merritt Island yesterday, but used my newfound confidence in controlling mechanical thingys (thanks again to the helicopter) to heep the car running till I made it home.

It was a very coordinated maneuver, driving home. Since it stalled when the RPM dipped below 2000, I had to keep my foot on the gas, throw him in neutral, honk my horn, give people the finger…

Alright, I didn't have to do those last 2 things, but it sure made the drive home a lot more fun.

Honestly, though… these are the times when I miss my gigantic family. (and my smoke jumper, whom I know would have come to my rescue)

Will have to control myself when I see you… First urge will be to rip your clothes off, throw you on the ground and love the hell out of you.

Am anxious to get you alone…but honestly, love I want you to totally and thoroughly enjoy you hero's homecoming.

So happy for you!!!!

I'll be here for you….

FROM: WILLIAM
SENT: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 5:29 PM
TO: COLLEEN
SUBJECT: RE: I need a rub down

I just got this e-mail today. We put away the radar that gave us the ability to receive e-mails about a day and a half before landing. SO they save the ones they couldn't uplink in order to give to us when we got back.

You write such good notes!!

You are the best!! I love you.