Hear What Space Is Like From NASA's Most Traveled Astronaut | National Geographic

It is an incredible experience to see the details of the Earth from that vantage point and to see the Earth is uniquely suited for life.

I think I've been on orbit with over 50 different people. If you counted them all up, the very unique views of what you might see in the Earth are fascinating.

Two major milestones in the assembly of the space station are seeing a major accomplishment in those milestones. During the assembly on a shuttle flight, it was 10 days long, so it happens very quickly, and it's very difficult in a unique experience like that, for a relatively short time, to take in the details.

So if you wanted to capture the memories, you needed to do so through photography and video.

Well, I've always loved the parks. I grew up, even as a kid. I can remember back as early as four years old, my father taking us on family trips to some of the parks. This year I learned it was the Centennial of the park service, so what a great theme to try to capture from that vantage point.

Mars has been envisioned as a goal for decades: Are we going to go to Mars? How soon are we going to go? It really depends. I believe, in my personal opinion, it depends upon the geopolitical situation in the future that drives potential international partnerships or competition among nations.

It's just a number; it's not that significant to me. So if, Peggy, for example, exceeds the whatever number of days I have—53, something I guess—great, good for her.