Wears Annick Goutal fragrances, Eau de Ciel (Water of Sky) and Gardenia Passion

Is the inventor of the 2suit garment for attaching flight suits in space for stabilization, intimacy and thermal emergency.

Was known to send her mother flowers on her own birthday with thanks for having given her birth.

Has a writing instrument collection of quill and various pens through assorted time period typewriters.

Started as an artist`s model at age 10.

Had her dog`s DNA mapped.

Was baptized on the exact spot as the 14th century poet Dante Alighieri in Florence, Italy.

Favorite flower fragrance is Gardenia.

Wrote her first novel at age 11.

Is married to a rocket scientist.

Admitted being fashion-challenged and wearing paper clips as hair barrettes.

Speaks several languages, grew up in a bilingual household (English and Italian) while studying French and Thai.

Plays piano and did her own piano playing and in the audio book version of her novel Flight.

Appeared in in MTV music videos when first coming to Hollywood.

Flew in zero gravity.