Meaning: Walter "Wally" Schirra, an American astronaut, made this statement about his perspective on space travel and the experience of being in a space shuttle. The quote reflects Schirra's attitude toward space exploration and his desire for a commanding role in the space mission. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is important to explore Schirra's background and the context in which he made this statement.

Wally Schirra was one of the original seven astronauts selected for NASA's Project Mercury, the United States' first human spaceflight program. He was a part of the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission, also known as Sigma 7, in 1962, becoming the fifth American in space. Schirra later flew on the Gemini 6A and Apollo 7 missions, making him the only astronaut to fly in all three of NASA's early human spaceflight programs.

Throughout his career, Schirra was known for his piloting skills, precision, and dedication to space exploration. His statement about the space shuttle reflects his desire for a hands-on, commanding role in space missions, particularly in the context of the Space Shuttle program, which operated from 1981 to 2011.

In the quote, Schirra expresses his reluctance to simply be a passenger on the space shuttle, emphasizing that he would only be interested in going if he could command the shuttle. This sentiment underscores his strong sense of leadership and his desire to actively participate in the mission, rather than just being a passenger along for the ride.

Furthermore, Schirra's mention of landing the shuttle highlights his specific interest in the piloting and control aspects of the mission. As an experienced astronaut and skilled pilot, he valued the opportunity to be directly involved in the critical phase of bringing the shuttle back to Earth. This aspect of the quote reflects Schirra's passion for piloting and his desire to contribute his expertise to the success of the mission.

Schirra's statement also sheds light on the mindset of astronauts and their attitudes toward space exploration. It underscores the fact that astronauts are highly trained professionals who are not just passengers on a spacecraft, but rather active participants in the mission's success. Schirra's emphasis on the role of commanding the shuttle aligns with the broader theme of astronauts as leaders and skilled operators in the challenging environment of space.

Additionally, the quote provides insight into the evolution of space exploration and the changing roles of astronauts. During the early days of spaceflight, astronauts like Schirra were primarily pilots, responsible for manually controlling spacecraft and making split-second decisions in the face of unknown challenges. As space missions advanced, the role of astronauts expanded to include scientific research, engineering tasks, and various other responsibilities beyond piloting.

In conclusion, Wally Schirra's quote about commanding the space shuttle reflects his deep commitment to space exploration, his piloting expertise, and his desire to play a pivotal role in the success of a mission. His perspective offers valuable insight into the mindset of astronauts and the evolving nature of their roles in space exploration. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder of the remarkable skills and dedication of individuals like Schirra who have pushed the boundaries of human exploration beyond Earth's atmosphere.