The view of Earth is spectacular.

When the space shuttle's engines cut off, and you're finally in space, in orbit, weightless... I remember unstrapping from my seat, floating over to the window, and that's when I got my first view of Earth. Just a spectacular view, and a chance to see our planet as a planet.

But when I wasn't working, I was usually at a window looking down at Earth.

I think it's important for little girls growing up, and young women, to have one in every walk of life. So from that point of view, I'm proud to be a role model!

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

I think eventually private enterprise will be able to send people into orbit, but I suspect initially it's going to have to be with NASA's help.