The most anxious time was during launch, just because that is so dramatic.

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.

The food isn't too bad. It's very different from the food that the astronauts ate in the very early days of the space program.

I have a lot of common sense. I know what needs to be done and how to approach it. I have an ability to work with people on large enterprises.

On a standard space shuttle crew, two of the astronauts have a test pilot background - the commander and the pilot.

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.

I had both male and female heroes.