A woman has admitted to falsely accusing her astronaut ex-wife of committing a crime while she was aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Summer Heather Worden, 50, pleaded guilty in connection with the case that gained significant media attention.
Details of the False Allegations
In July 2019, Worden accused her former spouse, astronaut Anne McClain, of illegally accessing her bank account during a mission on the ISS. According to the Department of Justice, the incident was reported while McClain was in space from December 2018 to June 2019.
Investigation Findings
- Worden opened the joint bank account in April 2018.
- Both parties had access to the account until January 2019.
- Worden had provided McClain with access to her bank records since at least 2015.
NASA’s Office of the Inspector General conducted an investigation into the claims. It determined that McClain had accessed the account with Worden’s consent, contradicting Worden’s allegations. Despite this, Worden filed complaints against McClain, accusing her of identity theft.
Legal Consequences
On November 13, 2023, Worden was found guilty of lying to law enforcement. She is scheduled for sentencing in February 2026. Worden could face a potential five-year prison sentence and a fine up to $250,000. She remains on bond while awaiting sentencing.
Background on Astronaut Anne McClain
Anne McClain, who denied all allegations regarding the misuse of her ex-wife’s bank account, expressed that the situation arose amidst a painful separation. She later returned to the ISS in 2025 and participated in a spacewalk during her mission.
Significance of the Case
This incident marks a notable point in space law and has raised questions about the implications of crimes alleged to occur in space. The case is considered the first of its kind involving accusations of criminal behavior in orbit.
Both individuals have faced challenges beyond their professional lives, impacting their public personas as well as their reputations. The developments in this case continue to attract attention from media and the public alike.
