Brazil's Only Astronaut Sets His Sights on Government

10/11/2013 - 09h27

Marcos Pontes, the first, and until now, only Brazilian astronaut, has some serious political ambitions. Having recently joined the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB, in its Portuguese acronym), he is planning to run for a seat in Congress.

However, he intends to fly much higher than that.

In a booklet entitled "Boy in Space - The Story of the First Brazilian Astronaut", Pontes gives a revealing third person account of his skills and attributes.

"With his considerable professional experience, he could be in line for the presidency of the Brazilian Space Agency. Or perhaps Commander of the Air Force; Minister of Defense; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; or Minister of Education," he writes on page 38 of a pamphlet delivered personally to the top brass at the PSB.

In a summary of his experiences presented to the PSB when he joined the party, Pontes cites personal characteristics such as competence, discipline, prudence and charisma, all underscored by his "great popularity." In a section entitled "Criticism", Pontes writes "Practically none. There is nothing important of any factual basis." There is only, he suggests, "envy" of his success.

Divulgação

Marcos Pontes is the first, and until now, only Brazilian astronaut

In the booklet, which is aimed at children and young people, he gives twenty "golden tips" for success. Number five is particularly eyebrow-raising: "Be humble," Pontes urges. "This is a characteristic that people often recognize in me," he said in an interview with Folha. All this while he has his sights on some of the most coveted positions in government.

Pontes went into space in 2006, on board the Russian spacecraft Soyuz. The Lula administration paid Russia USD $10 million for what amounted to little more than a publicity stunt, as no significant scientific findings were obtained during the voyage.

He left the Air Force shortly afterwards and quickly began to exploit his fame, giving lectures, launching a travel agency offering journeys into space, and delving into the self-help industry. He also became the face of the "astronaut's diet" - a diet based around dried food - and even participated in advertising campaigns for pillows.

Pontes sees no apparent conflict between the concept of humility and his repeated boasting. "Mahatma Gandhi was humility personified, but that didn't stop him leading the Indian resistance to the British Empire," he said.

But rather than being seduced by his dazzling personal attributes, the São Paulo PSB sees him instead as an easy means of increasing its bloc in Congress. In fact, there is even a slogan circulating among some members of the party that refers to Pontes.

"Brasilia is like another planet, send the astronaut there!"

Translated by TOM GATEHOUSE

Read the article in the original language