If we want scientists and engineers in the future, we should be cultivating the girls as much as the boys.

I can't remember a single time [my parents] ever told me not to do something I wanted to do.

I have been a bit of a risk-taker all my life.

I find myself looking around for other new, interesting opportunities to dive into.

I did not come to NASA to make history.

I've spent my whole life not talking to people, and I don't see why I should start now.

We need to make science cool again.

Our future lies with today's kids and tomorrow's space exploration.

The stars don't look bigger, but they do look brighter.

All adventures, especially into new territory, are scary.

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

So most astronauts are astronauts for a couple of years before they are assigned to a flight.

It's no secret that I've been reluctant to use my name for things.

Ever been to Disneyland? That was an E ticket!

One thing I probably share with everyone else in the astronaut office is composure.

So I decided on science when I was in college.

That's something that is almost part of being human and I'm certain that will continue.

I slept just floating in the middle of the flight deck, the upper deck of the space shuttle.

I liked math - that was my favourite subject - and I was very interested in astronomy and physical science.