Mylena Fiori
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília – Yesterday president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sent a message of welcome and congratulations to astronaut Marcos Pontes, following his successful landing after eight days at the International Space Station.

Lula praised Pontes for his dedication, performance and likeability. "You are now definitely a member of the gallery of Great Brazilans," said Lula. "The extraordinary success of your mission and the experiments at the space station you performed make us all proud and satisfied," concluded the president's message.

Translation: Allen Bennett