Astronaut Appearances

NASA selects astronauts from a diverse pool of applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds, from scientists to pilots. From the thousands of applications received, only a few are chosen to be a member of the elite NASA Astronaut Corps. Each day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visitors get the rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut.

Meet the Astronaut of the Day at any of the following opportunities.  See the Daily Schedule for the times for each when you arrive.

• The daily Astronaut Encounter briefings allow time for a presentation from the astronaut and a question-and-answer session, so be prepared to ask him or her what you have always wanted to know.
• Visitors can also get an astronaut’s autograph at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express at various times during the day.
• During the all-new Chat With An Astronaut, enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day about what it is really like to live and work in space. This new add-on enhancement requires daily admission.

Astronaut Bio:

• Born in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
• BSc in Astronautical Technology, Brazilian Air Force Academy; Class of 1984
• BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica; Class of 1993
• First Brazilian to fly in space
• 1998 NASA class selection
• Retired from Brazilian Air Force in 2006 (Lt. Col)
• Currently the Space Research Director of the National Institute for Aeronautical and Space Development