About
Marcos Pontes is a Brazilian Air Force pilot, engineer, astronaut, politician, and author. He holds the distinction of being the first South American and first Lusophone to travel to space, visiting the International Space Station in 2006. After retiring from the Air Force and astronautics, he entered politics. Pontes served as Brazil's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation under President Jair Bolsonaro and was later elected as a federal senator.
Career Timeline
Air Force Pilot Graduation
Pontes graduates as a pilot, starting his Air Force career.
NASA Training Selection
Selected for NASA training, boosting his career prospects.
Spaceflight to ISS
First South American in space, a historic achievement.
Retires from Air Force
Pontes retires from the Air Force after a successful career.
Minister of Science Appointed
Appointed as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Elected as Senator
Elected as a federal senator representing São Paulo.
Continues Senatorial Role
Serving as senator with influence in Brazilian politics.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026