When the space shuttle's engines cut off, and you're finally in space, in orbit, weightless... I remember unstrapping from my seat, floating over to the window, and that's when I got my first view of Earth. Just a spectacular view, and a chance to see our planet as a planet.
I think eventually private enterprise will be able to send people into orbit, but I suspect initially it's going to have to be with NASA's help.
I have a lot of common sense. I know what needs to be done and how to approach it. I have an ability to work with people on large enterprises.
When you're getting ready to launch into space, you're sitting on a big explosion waiting to happen.
Rocket science is tough, and rockets have a way of failing.
On both of my flights, everything went very well.
Because I was a tennis player, Billie Jean King was a hero of mine.
Even though NASA tries to simulate launch, and we practice in simulators, it's not the same - it's not even close to the same.
I think it's important for little girls growing up, and young women, to have one in every walk of life. So from that point of view, I'm proud to be a role model!
I was always very interested in science, and I knew that for me, science was a better long-term career than tennis.
I haven't written my memoirs or let the television movie be made about my life.
It's well known that many girls have a tendency to dumb down when they're in middle school.
I did not come to NASA to make history.
I don't have any nicknames.
It's no secret that I've been reluctant to use my name for things.
I've spent my whole life not talking to people, and I don't see why I should start now.
The view of Earth is spectacular.
The experience of being in space didn't change my perspective of myself or of the planet or of life. I had no spiritual experience.
But when I wasn't working, I was usually at a window looking down at Earth.
