Astronaut Anne McClain has been accused of committing a crime in space, it has been reported (Picture: Reuters)

Nasa is investigating claims one of its astronauts accessed their estranged partner’s bank account while on board the International Space Station, it has been reported.

The New York Times reported that Nasa is examining what could be the first allegation of a crime committed in space.

Astronaut Anne McClain has acknowledged accessing the bank account of her ex-partner Summer Worden while on the space station.

However, she denies any wrongdoing and insists she was checking her former spouse had enough money to pay for the care of Ms Worden’s son, who the pair had been raising together before their break-up.

Related Video: Anne McClain Completes 1st Spacewalk

Anne McClain spent six months on board the International Space Station earlier this year (Picture: Reuters)

Ms Worden has reportedly filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Ms McClain has since returned to Earth.

The astronaut’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, told the New York Times: “She strenuously denies that she did anything improper.”

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Ms Worden, an Air Force intelligence officer, married Ms McClain in 2014 but then filed for divorce in 2018.

She has been contacted about her allegation by Nasa’s Office of Inspector General, it was reported.

Nasa astronaut Anne McClain returned to Earth in June (Picture: Reuters)

Nasa astronauts Anne McClain, right, during a spacewalk in March (Picture: Reuters)

Ms McClain started flying for Nasa in 2013 following more than 800 combat hours over Iraq as an army pilot.

She spent six months on the International Space Station and was scheduled to take part in the first all-female spacewalk with Christina Koch earlier this year, but it was cancelled because there was only one medium-size spacesuit available.

The International Space Station is owned by the US, Russia, Europe, Japan and Canada, and the laws of each apply to those on board depending on their nationality.

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