ORLANDO, Fla. -- NASA spent big money to rush to the rescue of arrested astronaut Lisa Nowak. Two astronauts were flown to Central Florida on NASA T38s. Eyewitness News wanted to know how much it would cost you if you had to do the same.

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If someone wanted to fly from Houston to Orlando in a moment's notice, they'd have to pay thousands of dollars to charter a private jet, but then again, most people don't work for NASA, who, by Eyewitness News’ calculations, spent about the same amount.

Late Wednesday afternoon, NASA finally began answering Channel 9's questions about why two of its astronauts flew from Houston to Kennedy Space Center aboard a T38 government plane to handle what was admittedly a private matter for astronaut Lisa Nowak. Colonel Steve Lindsey then flew home commercial.

"Rather than fly back in the aircraft he came in on, we thought appropriate for him to accompany her given the situation," said NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale.

So what would it cost you to come to the aid of a troubled family member in similar form? For two people to charter the cheapest private jet from Orlando to Houston it would cost about $12,000.

The NASA group also paid for a hotel room at the Airport Sheraton Suites and a rental car to get around Orlando. Nowak paid for her own first-class ticket back to Houston on Wednesday morning, but their Continental flight was met by police officers who shuttled her past the waiting media.

"I understand the airport chose to use airport personnel to see them off the aircraft, because they didn't want the hassle in the terminal. That was their decision. We didn't ask for that," Dale said.

In the meantime, other passengers had to wait.

"I'd let her go the regular way, because she needs to answer questions. There's a lot of questions to be answered. Why should she get special treatment?" one passenger questioned.