--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When the space shuttle's engines cut off…" description: "\"When the space shuttle's engines cut off, and you're finally in space, in orbit, weightless... I remember unstrapping from my seat, floating over to th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ca0/sally-ride-5884_chance_when-the-space-shuttle-s-engines-cut-off_2894036.png" --- # When the space shuttle's engines cut off, and you're… ![“When the space shuttle's engines cut off, and you're finally in space, in orbit, weightless... I remember unstrapping from my seat, floating over to the window, and that's when I got my first view of Earth. Just a spectacular view, and a chance to see our planet as a planet.” quote by Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ca0/sally-ride-5884_chance_when-the-space-shuttle-s-engines-cut-off_2894036.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ca0/sally-ride-5884_chance_when-the-space-shuttle-s-engines-cut-off_2894036.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ca0/sally-ride-5884_chance_when-the-space-shuttle-s-engines-cut-off_2894036.png) > “When the space shuttle's engines cut off, and you're finally in space, in orbit, weightless... I remember unstrapping from my seat, floating over to the window, and that's when I got my first view of Earth. Just a spectacular view, and a chance to see our planet as a planet.” [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Seeing Earth from orbit provides a profound perspective shift, emphasizing planetary unity and wonder. **In simple terms:** Space view changes how we see Earth. Key Takeaway Reflect on the planet’s fragility and interconnectedness. Themes space perspective planetary unity wonder Mood awe inspired Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - education - public speaking - science outreach Key Concepts astronomy environmental awareness humanity Questions to Reflect On - How does this view affect your daily choices? - What can you do to protect Earth? A Different Perspective Space travel is limited to few; not everyone can experience it. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Chance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chance/) [Cutting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cutting/) [Earth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/earth/) [Engines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/engines/) [Finally Space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/finally-space-4078805/) [Firsts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firsts/) [Floating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/floating/) [Orbit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/orbit/) [Orbit Weightless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/orbit-weightless-4078804/) [Our planet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/our-planet/) [Planets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/planets/) [Remember](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/remember/) [Space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/space/) [Space shuttle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/space-shuttle/) [Spectacular](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spectacular/) [Spectacular View](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spectacular-view-4078806/) [View](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/view/) [View Earth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/view-earth-1318722/) [Views](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/views/) [Window](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/window/) ## Related quotes > [Then during the mission itself, I used the space shuttle's robot arm to release a satellite into orbit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/then-during-the-mission-itself-i-used-the-space-shuttle-s-robot-arm/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [When you are finally in space and you're finally looking back at Earth and you realize for the first time in your life there's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-mcclain/when-you-are-finally-in-space-and-you-re-finally-looking-back-at/) [Anne McClain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-mcclain/) > [So I just let go with one hand, and just sort of swung around, looked at the Earth below and the black space above…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rusty-schweickart/so-i-just-let-go-with-one-hand-and-just-sort-of-swung-around-looked/) [Rusty Schweickart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rusty-schweickart/) > [The view of earth is spectacular from space. Most people imagine that when astronauts look out the window of the shuttle they see the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/the-view-of-earth-is-spectacular-from-space-most-people-imagine-that/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [The view of earth is absolutely spectacular, and the feeling of looking back and seeing your planet as a planet is just an amazing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/the-view-of-earth-is-absolutely-spectacular-and-the-feeling-of/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [The view of Earth is spectacular.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/the-view-of-earth-is-spectacular/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [Going into orbit around Earth - where the space station is today, and where the space shuttles and John Glenn and all those folks…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-degrasse-tyson/going-into-orbit-around-earth-where-the-space-station-is-today-and/) [Neil deGrasse Tyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-degrasse-tyson/) > ['As a fraction of your tax dollar today, what is the total cost of all spaceborne telescopes, planetary probes, the rovers on Mars, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-degrasse-tyson/as-a-fraction-of-your-tax-dollar-today-what-is-the-total-cost-of-all/) [Neil deGrasse Tyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-degrasse-tyson/) > [I slept just floating in the middle of the flight deck, the upper deck of the space shuttle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/i-slept-just-floating-in-the-middle-of-the-flight-deck-the-upper-deck/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [The space shuttle is a better and safer rocket than it was before the Challenger accident.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/the-space-shuttle-is-a-better-and-safer-rocket-than-it-was-before-the/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [The thing I'll remember most about the flight is that it was fun. In fact, I'm sure it was the most fun that I'll…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/the-thing-i-ll-remember-most-about-the-flight-is-that-it-was-fun-in/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [On a standard space shuttle crew, two of the astronauts have a test pilot background - the commander and the pilot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/on-a-standard-space-shuttle-crew-two-of-the-astronauts-have-a-test/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [There's a huge amount of pressure on every astronaut, because when you get right down to it, the experiments that are conducted on a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/there-s-a-huge-amount-of-pressure-on-every-astronaut-because-when-you/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [After the Challenger accident, NASA put in a lot of time to improve the safety of the space shuttle to fix the things that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/after-the-challenger-accident-nasa-put-in-a-lot-of-time-to-improve/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [No, I think most astronauts recognize that the space shuttle program is very high-risk, and are prepared for accidents.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/no-i-think-most-astronauts-recognize-that-the-space-shuttle-program/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) ## More by Sally Ride > [No, I think most astronauts recognize that the space shuttle program is very high-risk, and are prepared for accidents.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/no-i-think-most-astronauts-recognize-that-the-space-shuttle-program/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [I have been a bit of a risk-taker all my life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/i-have-been-a-bit-of-a-risk-taker-all-my-life/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [The view of earth is spectacular from space. Most people imagine that when astronauts look out the window of the shuttle they see the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/the-view-of-earth-is-spectacular-from-space-most-people-imagine-that/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [I was always very interested in science, and I knew that for me, science was a better long-term career than tennis.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/i-was-always-very-interested-in-science-and-i-knew-that-for-me/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [You know, I go around the country a lot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/you-know-i-go-around-the-country-a-lot/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [Anything from making a mistake on an experiment that would ruin some scientist on earth's experiment - career, potentially - to doing something wrong…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/anything-from-making-a-mistake-on-an-experiment-that-would-ruin-some/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [Women make up only 25 percent of the science, engineering and technology workforce... We are delighted to be working with NASA Ames to give…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/women-make-up-only-25-percent-of-the-science-engineering-and/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [Then during the mission itself, I used the space shuttle's robot arm to release a satellite into orbit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/then-during-the-mission-itself-i-used-the-space-shuttle-s-robot-arm/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [I think eventually private enterprise will be able to send people into orbit, but I suspect initially it's going to have to be with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/i-think-eventually-private-enterprise-will-be-able-to-send-people/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [It's easy to sleep floating around - it's very comfortable. But you have to be careful that you don't float into somebody or something!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/it-s-easy-to-sleep-floating-around-it-s-very-comfortable-but-you-have/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [I don't have any nicknames.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/i-don-t-have-any-nicknames/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [There are lots of opportunities out there for women to work in these fields, ... Girls just need support, encouragement and mentoring to follow…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/there-are-lots-of-opportunities-out-there-for-women-to-work-in-these/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [I would like to be remembered as someone who was not afraid to do what she wanted to do, and as someone who took…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/i-would-like-to-be-remembered-as-someone-who-was-not-afraid-to-do/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [It takes a couple of years just to get the background and knowledge that you need before you can go into detailed training for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/it-takes-a-couple-of-years-just-to-get-the-background-and-knowledge/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) > [Studying whether there's life on Mars or studying how the universe began, there's something magical about pushing back the frontiers of knowledge. That's something…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-ride/studying-whether-there-s-life-on-mars-or-studying-how-the-universe/) [Sally Ride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) [Explore all 100 Sally Ride quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-ride/) ## More Chance quotes > [Before I debuted, it was my goal to make my debut, and afterwards, I aimed at winning champion titles on television music shows, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hyuna/before-i-debuted-it-was-my-goal-to-make-my-debut-and-afterwards-i/) [Hyuna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hyuna/) > [I understand it's promotion, but no one ever gave me a chance. No one ever thought I'd be the champ, and look where I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stipe-miocic/i-understand-it-s-promotion-but-no-one-ever-gave-me-a-chance-no-one/) [Stipe Miocic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stipe-miocic/) > [I might, by chance, write something just as shoddy; But then I wouldn't show it to everybody.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moliere/i-might-by-chance-write-something-just-as-shoddy-but-then-i-wouldn-t/) [Moliere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moliere/) > [When I get a chance to play golf or go on a boat with good people, take the boat out and put some lobsters…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernie-mac/when-i-get-a-chance-to-play-golf-or-go-on-a-boat-with-good-people/) [Bernie Mac](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernie-mac/) > [The happy medium is television. And if you find a good suitor, you can do it for years. With movies, you roll the dice.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-campbell/the-happy-medium-is-television-and-if-you-find-a-good-suitor-you-can/) [Bruce Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-campbell/) > [I get afraid of the dark if I'm in a great deal of dark, and I have to move around inside of that fear...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emil-ferris/i-get-afraid-of-the-dark-if-i-m-in-a-great-deal-of-dark-and-i-have-to/) [Emil Ferris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emil-ferris/) > [I have heard that if you pull a bent breath through the second hole of a harmonica tuned to the key of Georgia while…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/buddy-wakefield/i-have-heard-that-if-you-pull-a-bent-breath-through-the-second-hole/) [Buddy Wakefield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/buddy-wakefield/) > [There are times when we can feel destiny close around us like a fist around a doorknob. Sure, we can resist. But a knob…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-robbins/there-are-times-when-we-can-feel-destiny-close-around-us-like-a-fist/) [Tom Robbins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-robbins/) > [Pain held no terror for him. Pain was, if not friend, then family, something he had grown up with in his crèche, learning to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paolo-bacigalupi/pain-held-no-terror-for-him-pain-was-if-not-friend-then-family/) [Paolo Bacigalupi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paolo-bacigalupi/) > [Love changes people, for better or for worse. You could look at it as a chance for you to change. The best kind of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/love-changes-people-for-better-or-for-worse-you-could-look-at-it-as-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“It's not who, it's when”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alejandro-taubas/it-s-not-who-it-s-when/) [Alejandro Taubas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alejandro-taubas/) > [Childhood is Last Chance Gulch for happiness. After that, you know too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/childhood-is-last-chance-gulch-for-happiness-after-that-you-know-too/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [I thought my first few jobs would just be off, off, off, off, off broadway. And by chance and how the world works, I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tommy-dorfman/i-thought-my-first-few-jobs-would-just-be-off-off-off-off-off/) [Tommy Dorfman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tommy-dorfman/) > [If you’re worrying about the past, you’ve got a good chance of screwing up the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-a-tullman/if-you-re-worrying-about-the-past-you-ve-got-a-good-chance-of/) [Howard A. Tullman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-a-tullman/) > [To be successful, one must take chances.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/willie-stargell/to-be-successful-one-must-take-chances/) [Willie Stargell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/willie-stargell/) [Browse all 12,460 Chance quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chance/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "When the space shuttle's engines cut off, and you're finally in space, in orbit, weightless... 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