Peggy Whitson

Unfortunately, spaceflight takes a lot of time and money.

On my first flight, I don't know if maybe it's a function of time, or if I was less stressed on my second flight, but just being able to tell what part of the planet we were flying over by the reflected light coming through the window - that was pretty special.

One of the things I think is really cool that we're testing on board the International Space Station is the water reclamation system.

I think the legacy of the space station will be that we can do something this technically complex in an international way.

It's been fun doing interviews with the other astronauts, getting to hear: 'Oh, that's how he explains it' or 'That's how she thinks about it.' We work together, but we don't necessarily share all those thoughts or ideas.

Work ethic is probably my No. 1 value and No. 1 attribute.

Know what it is that drives you - motivates you - and pursue it. Endeavor to work to make it happen.

My parents are the hardest-working people I ever knew: they always worked every day, all day; they had to come up with the solutions to make things work. And I think that work ethic, maybe stubbornness, single-mindedness, definitely played a role for me. I'm definitely thankful for my roots.

I do think space hotels are probably in our future.

One of the most beautiful sights is when the rim of the Earth is bright on one side, and you see this defined line of the atmosphere. You see how close and thin it is. We've got to be careful. We've got to take care of this planet.

I am not sure what the future holds for me personally, but I envision myself continuing to work on spaceflight programs.