"I had done everything I could do as an astronaut, and we have a long line of inexperienced astronauts waiting for their first missions, and so my role really should be to step aside and help them prepare for their missions, rather than to try to get another mission"

Leroy Chiao is expressing his belief that he has actually done all he can as an astronaut and that it is now time for him to step aside and assist the next generation of astronauts prepare for their missions. He thinks that it is more crucial for him to help the inexperienced astronauts gain the experience they require to be successful, rather than to attempt to get another mission for himself. This quote reflects his altruism and devotion to the space program, as he wants to put his own aspirations aside in order to assist the next generation of astronauts. He is likewise demonstrating his dedication to the area program by assisting to guarantee that the next generation of astronauts are well-prepared and successful in their missions.