First Brazilian Astronaut--Colonel Marcos Pontes--More Than Ready To Fly

Lieutenant Colonel Marcos Pontes has got to be chomping at the bit to get into Space. He will be Brazil's first astronaut and its first steps back from a near complete disaster launch disaster in 2003 that claimed 21 Brazilian Space scientists--more than half their Space team.
Pontes has been ready to fly since 2000 and was scheduled to fly in 2001, but a series of budget cuts (brought about by a national economic crisis) forced Brazil to cease development of parts for the International Space Station, thereby forcing a delay in Pontes' trip to Space. Thankfully, yet again the Russians will come to the aid of someone in need of a trip, for a reasonable price of course.
Brazil had what was once considered one of the very best national Space programs. Following nearly a decade of budget cuts and the devastating launch pad explosion of 2003 it's place has fallen nearly to the bottom.
Pontes' trip to ISS will surely provide a boost of optimism to the nation and the scientists who continue to labor for a foothold in Space.

There is also a lesson here for citizens of other nations: How quickly it is your nation can fall behind when it does not consider the full impact of its Space program.
Brazil may spend the next decade getting back to where it was a decade ago, while other nations, such as India and Japan, develop even more advanced capabilities.
Being without a shuttle fleet puts America at a serious disadvantage. I hope this problem is quickly, but safely, rectified.