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The earth will always be our home planet. but what john and those astronauts did in those early days was start the process of cosmic birth. human life and life in general moving out into the universe. that's a pretty special time in history. >> rusty, the materials that were used for the capsule of friendship 7, really not as -- they were very thin. people might be very surprised to know that it was kind of miraculous that one was able to travel in that and actually or bit the earth because they weren't that strong. >> they were strong enough. the metal or plastic on my car today isn't very th...

Sell himself, and that that was very uncomfortable, the idea of serving was great. some of the things you have to do in order to get there and stay there, those are things he didn't really like. is that right, rusty? >> john was a man of grace. john was not someone who needed to have his name up in lights or to acquire things. he was not -- as you said, he was interested in being of service. frankly, the fact that he wanted to fly again was a bit selfish. he just loved space and loved flying so much that he wanted to really see what it was like to spend some time in orbit the way tom did. that...

Is also a former astronaut flying four shuttle missions and spent about 53 days in space. he is someone we turn to often for anything related to space. it's a pleasure to have you here as well. you're also the author of ask the astronaut, a galaxy of astonishing answers to questions on space flight. i know john glenn was also a big reason for you to get involved in space as well. is that not true? >> it's just a treat, uma to be with you today because i get to talk to one of my other heroes, rusty schweiker. even before i thought about rusty, i thought about john glenn when i was about 7 or 8 ...

Eyes wide open. it was like his previous experiences in world war ii and a mig killer in korea. he knew his business and knew what the risks were. he sized them up and stepped forward. very impressive to me. >> rusty, i was doing doing research on you as well and i was listening to an interview where you described the experience of what it's like to step back and really behold what is before you in space and the extraordinary moment when you realize this is a view that so few will get to see. that's something john glenn talked about as well. when you describe what it's like to be in space and ...

He asked the boss at johnson for his next ride and never got an answer. he couldn't get a flight assignment. i think after some disappointment and hesitation he decided to put his chips into the political world and pursue a chip there. he had a bathroom accident that knocked him out of his first campaign with a hospitalization. it wasn't until '7 that he became a senator. it was great to have a guy in the senate who new space policy backwards and forwards. he was a great advocate for human space exploration. i think that's where his value was most appreciated by all the astronauts. >> rusty, l...