I don't like to rate myself; others can do that. I've spoken with a number of young people who weren't even born in 1969, when the first moon landing was made. They've witnessed the first person to fly at faster than speed of the sound without propulsion. These kids are happy to have had such a momentous event in their lifetime.

I want to inspire the next generation. I want to be in mission control with someone younger than me wanting to break my record.

I feel at home up in the air, just like sailors do at sea and climbers do in the mountains.

Learn to love what you've been taught to fear.

People are fascinated about the world above them because it seems so out-of-reach. My jump gave them an opportunity to come along for the ride. They could watch live on their screens how someone rises all the way up into the stratosphere.

I'm not an adrenaline junkie. It's never been about thrills for me. I'm just someone who loves a challenge.

This claustrophobia was the only weakness I had. It's not my fault. It's just in my mind.