So I decided on science when I was in college.

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.

So most astronauts are astronauts for a couple of years before they are assigned to a flight.

The fact that I was going to be the first American woman to go into space carried huge expectations along with it.

The thing I'll remember most about the flight is that it was fun. In fact, I'm sure it was the most fun that I'll ever have in my life.

For quite some time, women at NASA only had scientific backgrounds.

Once you are assigned to a flight, the whole crew is assigned at the same time, and then that crew trains together for a whole year to prepare for that flight.