Capt Nowak denies attempting to kidnap Capt Colleen Shipman

Nasa said the move did not reflect on the innocence or guilt of Lisa Nowak, 43, who remains a naval officer.

Capt Nowak allegedly drove 1,000 miles (1,600km) to confront her rival for the love of a space shuttle pilot and was found with weapons in her car.

Ms Nowak is believed to be the first astronaut to be fired publicly.

Air training

A spokeswoman for Capt Nowak said Nasa's decision had been anticipated.

Nasa said the move was by "mutual agreement" between itself and the navy.

Capt Nowak was placed on 30 days' leave after her arrest and that period was to end on Thursday.

Capt Nowak and Cmdr Oefelein had a "two to three year" affair

She is likely to be assigned to naval air training in Texas, although her job has not been specified.

It was from Texas that Capt Nowak began her long drive to Florida to confront her rival, Capt Colleen Shipman.

Capt Nowak said she wore a nappy on the journey to Orlando in Florida so she would not have to stop to use the toilet.

Capt Nowak, who flew to the international space station last July, then allegedly confronted Capt Shipman at Orlando International Airport, disguised in a wig and trench coat.

Police say Capt Nowak pepper sprayed Capt Shipman's car.

Capt Nowak was stopped allegedly carrying the wig, an air rifle, a steel mallet, a knife and copies of e-mails between Capt Shipman and the pilot, Cmdr William Oefelein.

US prosecutors this week released a number of the e-mails, along with other documents in the case.

In one paper, Capt Shipman said she expressed concern about Capt Nowak to Cmdr Oefelein, asking: "Is there gonna be some crazy lady showing up at my door, trying to kill me?"

Capt Shipman said: "He said, 'No... she's not like that. She's fine with it. She's happy for me'."

Capt Nowak has denied attempting to kidnap Capt Shipman.