Everyone who's been in space would, I'm sure, welcome the opportunity for a return to the exhilarating experiences there. For me, a flight in a shuttle, though most satisfying, would be anticlimactic after my flight to the moon. Plus, if I pursued a flight myself, people would think that was the reason I am trying to generate interest in public spaceflight. And that's not the purpose - I want to generate interest in long-range space exploration.

Timing has always been a key element in my life. I have been blessed to have been in the right place at the right time.

Knowledge of the past and an optimistic view of the present give you great opportunities.

Sending a couple of guys to the Moon and bringing them back safely? That's a stunt! That's not historic.

Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. I am the first man to piss his pants on the moon.

There's no doubt that there will be many trials and tribulations along the way in taming space for the benefit of all, unmasking its truths and using the boundless resources available to us. Taking a chance allows us to seek new horizons -- and we all benefit from being horizon hunters.

I really hate to be put in the position of trying to justify something, a decision that was made. I'm a military guy: when a decision is made, I go along with it, whatever the manufactured controversy and criticism.