“I think it's going to be amazing to see how the world of microbiology, molecular…” — Kathleen Rubins

It changes your perspective to be able to look out the window and see the planet. One of the thoughts that I had when I first got up here was, 'We really do live on a planet, and we are in a solar system, and we are flying through space right now.' I mean, this is something that you know, obviously, but to see the planet - it's amazing.

The planet is beautiful.

I don't think you ever really decide that you want to be an astronaut. I put in an application and hoped for the best.

If you find something that you're excited about and you're interested in, my advice to young women and young men would be do what you're really interested in and what drives and motivates you.