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.

Different astronauts sleep in different ways.

When you're getting ready to launch into space, you're sitting on a big explosion waiting to happen.

For whatever reason, I didn't succumb to the stereotype that science wasn't for girls. I got encouragement from my parents. I never ran into a teacher or a counselor who told me that science was for boys. A lot of my friends did.

It takes a couple of years just to get the background and knowledge that you need before you can go into detailed training for your mission.

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.

The rockets light! The shuttle leaps off the launch pad in a cloud of steam and a trail of fire.