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.

So most astronauts getting ready to lift off are excited and very anxious and worried about that explosion - because if something goes wrong in the first seconds of launch, there's not very much you can do.

I never went into physics or the astronaut corps to become a role model. But after my first flight, it became clear to me that I was one. And I began to understand the importance of that to people. Young girls need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose, just so they can picture themselves doing those jobs someday. You can't be what you can't see.

Weightless is a great equalizer.

After the Challenger accident, NASA put in a lot of time to improve the safety of the space shuttle to fix the things that had gone wrong.

I've spent my whole life not talking to people, and I don't see why I should start now.

One thing I probably share with everyone else in the astronaut office is composure.