Man Steals $21M of Lunar Rocks from NASA to Use During Sex After Promising His Girlfriend the Moon

In a peculiar and intriguing incident that sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, a former NASA intern, Thad Roberts, made headlines in 2002 for an audacious moon rock heist. The theft, valued at a staggering $21 million, involved the pilfering of 17 pounds of precious lunar rocks from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The mastermind behind this daring escapade was none other than 24-year-old Thad Roberts, who had an impressive academic background with triple degrees in physics, geology, and geophysics. What unfolded next was a tale of love, betrayal, and a surreal act of intimacy that involved a romantic rendezvous atop stolen moon rocks.

Roberts, driven by a desire to impress his new girlfriend, Tiffany Fowler, hatched a plan that was as bold as it was reckless. With the help of Fowler and another accomplice, the trio managed to breach NASA’s security measures using authentic badges, rewiring cameras, and wearing Neoprene bodysuits to evade thermal sensors. The heist itself was a meticulously planned operation, with Roberts and Fowler sneaking into the secure area and absconding with a 601-pound safe containing the invaluable moon rocks. Their actions went unnoticed by NASA for several days, highlighting the audacity and meticulousness of their scheme.

The motive behind this daring act was not purely financial gain, according to Roberts. In a twist that could only be described as bizarre, Roberts confessed that his primary motivation was love. In an interview, he revealed that he wanted to show his affection for Tiffany in an extraordinary way, symbolically offering her the moon. This unusual demonstration of love culminated in a surreal moment where Roberts and Fowler engaged in a romantic liaison atop the stolen moon rocks, creating a unique tale that intertwined grand gestures with criminal recklessness.

The aftermath of the moon rock heist saw Roberts and his accomplices being apprehended by the FBI, bringing an end to their brief moment of lunar-infused passion. Despite Roberts’ claims of altruistic intentions to fund scientific endeavors, his actions were condemned by authorities as detrimental to scientific research. The stolen moon rocks, which held immense scientific value, were deemed virtually useless after the heist, with the loss of three decades’ worth of invaluable research notes further compounding the damage wrought by Roberts’ actions.

In a surprising turn of events, Roberts and his cohorts faced legal repercussions for their lunar escapade. Roberts pleaded guilty to the theft and was sentenced to eight years in prison, though he was ultimately released two years early in 2008. Fowler and the other accomplice received lesser punishments, including house arrest, community service, and restitution payments to NASA. The episode, chronicled in Ben Mezrich’s book “Sex on the Moon,” stands as a cautionary tale of youthful folly, misplaced romantic gestures, and the enduring allure of Earth’s celestial companion.

The saga of Thad Roberts and the stolen moon rocks remains a fascinating and perplexing chapter in NASA’s history, showcasing the lengths to which love and ambition can drive individuals to extraordinary feats. While the moon may have witnessed many remarkable moments in human history, the tale of a stolen celestial treasure turned symbol of misguided affection stands out as a testament to the boundless complexities of human nature. As we gaze at the moon in the night sky, it serves as a reminder of both the wonders of the cosmos and the peculiarities of human behaviour that can sometimes eclipse even the most extraordinary celestial marvels.