Sky High

Pamela Melroy, the Wellesley College alum and trustee who commanded last fall's space shuttle mission, on why she's a leader. And not, say, a singer. And her ties to Rambo.

(NASA)

When did you know you wanted to be an astronaut?

I was really inspired by the Apollo program. I was about 10 or 11 during that period. It became my introduction: "Hi, I'm Pam, and I'm going to be an astronaut."

Did you ever imagine you'd be commanding a space mission?

Absolutely. It was always part of the plan. I really enjoy leadership, and I feel it is an enormous challenge. I think it's a thrill and a joy to be put in a position where you're trying to help a team in a very unique way.

At what moment in your life did you realize you had the potential to be a good leader?

For me, it was my experience in ROTC detachment at MIT. In eighth grade I remember taking a personality survey, and I remember getting hung up on the question, "Are you a follower or a leader?" I felt I had to answer "follower." I did not like the answer. I had to make a conscious effort. The hardest part [of leadership] is owning up to your own skills and talents. In ROTC I gained my commitment and determination to become a leader.

Who are your heroes, past or present?

I would have to say my parents set a standard of behavior for me that I haven't seen matched by anyone else.

After so many years of piloting aircraft, and being a two-time shuttle pilot before commanding this latest mission, does it bother you when someone else takes the controls?

It was kind of nice to have someone take over. I got to look out the window for a change.

How do you feel being the passenger when someone else is driving?

I have to confess, I have a little problem with that. In an airliner, it's no problem.

I heard you performed in musicals during your high school days in New York State. What show tunes do you share with your fellow astronauts?

That would be considered cruel and unusual punishment.

You've never belted out "Climb Every Mountain" during space flight?

I can't sing worth a dang. I can dance, I can act. I did practice a little ballet in orbit. Dancing in microgravity is really fun.

How did "Pambo" get to be the name Velcroed on your space suit?

I gained my nickname as a young lieutenant at survival training. It's all about Rambo. I am 5 foot 4. I look like somebody's kid sister. People say, "Oh, you're in charge?" It can be very disarming. Then they start calling me Pambo.

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