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.

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

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.

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.

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