They forbade me from flying, despite all my protests and arguments. After being once in space, I was desperately keen to go back there. But it didn't happen.

It [the Earth] was breathtakingly beautiful, like something out of a fairy tale. There is no way to describe the joy of seeing the Earth. It is blue, and more beautiful than any other planet.

To tell her that I joined the parachute club was too hard for me. I didn't want to trouble her; besides, I was not completely sure about the success of my new adventure.

Anyone who has spent any time in space will love it for the rest of their lives. I achieved my childhood dream of the sky.

I would not say that female cosmonauts are not welcomed in the Russian space program. I must say, however, that all spaceflight hardware, including spacesuits and spacecraft comfort assuring systems, were designed mostly by men and for men.

I am convinced that the modular structure of the Mir will be the main trend in manned orbital stations development in the next century

I see the horizon. A light blue, a beautiful band. This is the Earth. How beautiful it is! All goes well.