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MS. STILSON:  Derek from Miami wants to know what it feels like to launch into space, how does your body feel?  Are you nervous?

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MS. HIRE:  Good question. And, actually, a lot of people want to experience that. There's a lot of good amusement

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park type rides that are getting closer and closer to it. But I don't think they quite have it yet.

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We practice in the simulator. We know what it's going to feel like for the launch. But I tell you what,

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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.

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We're strapped into our seats but because the Space Shuttle is vertical, we're actually laying on our backs.

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So what it feels like is it feels like a big, big kick in your back, doesn't hurt, but boy you feel it,

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and a lot of noise, a lot of rumbling, a lot of vibration and a lot of speed.

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You can really feel that acceleration going up. Doesn't hurt. You're strapped in quite a bit.

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But, boy, you sure feel the pressure coming down right on you.

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MS. STILSON:  Must be quite a thrill. MS. HIRE:  It certainly is.

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