The space shuttle is a better and safer rocket than it was before the Challenger accident.

I was always very interested in science, and I knew that for me, science was a better long-term career than tennis.

Then during the mission itself, I used the space shuttle's robot arm to release a satellite into orbit.

I do a lot of running and hiking, and I also collect stamps - space stamps and Olympics stamps.

I think maybe it's too bad that our society isn't further along and this is such a big deal. I think it's time...that people realize that women in this country can do any job they want to do.

My parents must have done a great job. Anytime I wanted to pursue something that they weren't familiar with, that was not part of their lifestyle, they let me go ahead and do it.

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.