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Meet Astronaut Marcos Pontes

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

MonMondayJuly 14
TueTuesdayJuly 15
WedWednesdayJuly 16
ThuThursdayJuly 17
FriFridayJuly 18
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Marcos Pontes headshot
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Get the rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut every day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Meet the Astronaut of the Day at any of the following opportunities:  

  • Astronaut Encounter – During these presentations, hear from the Astronaut of the Day about his or her unique experience living and working in space. Have your questions ready after the presentation. Astronaut Encounter is included with admission. 
  • Chat With An Astronaut – Enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a small-group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day about what it is really like to live and work in space. Chat With An Astronaut can be purchased in addition to admission. 
  • Autograph signings – get the astronaut’s autograph at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express at various times during the day. 

 See the Daily Schedule for the times for each when you arrive.

Learn more about this Astronaut of the Day below.

Marcos Pontes headshot

Marcos Pontes

  • Flight Engineer, Soyuz TMA-8

Marcos Pontes, the first Brazilian astronaut, has built a career that reflects a lifelong commitment to space exploration, education, and advocacy.

Marcos Pontes grew up in Bauru, São Paulo, with dreams of becoming a pilot. His dedication led him to the Brazil Air Force Academy, where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Technology in 1984 and later, a master’s in systems engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Selected by NASA in 1998, Pontes launched aboard a Soyuz TMA spacecraft in 2006, spending ten days on the International Space Station as part of Expedition 13. He retired from the Brazilian Air Force in 2006 as a Lieutenant Colonel, continuing to contribute to the Brazilian Space Program.

Currently, Pontes is the president of the Astronaut Marcos Pontes Foundation, CEO of MP Engineering, and holds several ambassadorial roles. He is also the Space Research Director of the National Institute for Aeronautical and Space Development and a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Organization. An accomplished author, Pontes has written four books, including his autobiography, “Mission Accomplished: The Complete History of the First Brazilian Space Mission.”

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