MS. STILSON: Derek from Miami wants to know what it feels like to launch into space, how does your body feel? Are you nervous?
MS. HIRE: Good question. And, actually, a lot of people want to experience that. There's a lot of good amusement
park type rides that are getting closer and closer to it. But I don't think they quite have it yet.
We practice in the simulator. We know what it's going to feel like for the launch. But I tell you what,
the real thing is a much bigger kick than they ever told us it was. We're actually on our backs on the launch pad.
We're strapped into our seats but because the Space Shuttle is vertical, we're actually laying on our backs.
So what it feels like is it feels like a big, big kick in your back, doesn't hurt, but boy you feel it,
and a lot of noise, a lot of rumbling, a lot of vibration and a lot of speed.
You can really feel that acceleration going up. Doesn't hurt. You're strapped in quite a bit.
But, boy, you sure feel the pressure coming down right on you.
MS. STILSON: Must be quite a thrill. MS. HIRE: It certainly is.