People are fascinated by space flight. It makes them interested in science, gets them asking questions and motivates them. Helen Sharman fascinateflightinterest Change image and share on social
You don't go into space just for the science. Economically, it is not worth it. I think the reason we should be in space is for the exploration; it's the human endeavour. Helen Sharman economicallyendeavourexploration Change image and share on social
There is good science you can do in space. There is stuff there you cannot do on Earth and we can gain understanding from it. Helen Sharman earthgaingood Change image and share on social
From space, the earth appears predominantly blue; the clouds are brilliant white. Surprisingly, you don't see much green, although Ireland looks green, and so do Scandinavia and New Zealand. The deserts are brick red and really stand out. Helen Sharman appearbluebrick share on social
As the craft re-entered earth's atmosphere, it was coming in so fast, it heated up the surrounding atoms and molecules, and they became positively and negatively charged, and highly reactive, and began luminescing all around us. Helen Sharman atmosphereatombegin share on social
I operated a periscopic TV camera so the commander, Anatoly Artsebarsky, could establish where we were heading. It is real teamwork on Soyuz. Helen Sharman anatolyartsebarskycamera Change image and share on social
I still dream about being on the space station with the feeling of being weightless. The weightlessness is the most amazing, relaxing and natural feeling. Helen Sharman amazedreamfelt Change image and share on social
On Mir, the lights kept going out because it had developed so many electrical problems. Helen Sharman developelectricallight Change image and share on social
I get standing ovations at meetings when I say Britain should be involved in human spaceflight. Unfortunately, that goal has been blocked by a handful of people in high office. Helen Sharman blockbritaingoal Change image and share on social
During launch, the outside of the rocket is covered in a protective fairing, so we couldn't see outside, but as soon as that was jettisoned, my first view of the earth was over the Pacific Ocean, which was this wonderful deep blue, with clouds just over the top, and sunlight streaming in through the window. Helen Sharman bluecloudcover share on social