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.

I felt fine after 24 hours and asked the state commission to prolong my stay in space to three days. And I carried out the entire schedule. Could I have done that if I had been half-dead?

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

Once you've been in space, you appreciate how small and fragile the Earth is.

Russia is still the leader in world space exploration. But its position of leader involves great responsibility - we have no right to lag behind. We can and we must move constantly forward.

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