Mexico’s connection to space exploration is modest but meaningful: research partnerships, satellite projects and educational programs have tied the country into the broader space community. That history matters because even a single human flight can inspire new generations of scientists and engineers.
There are 1 Mexican Astronauts, represented by Rodolfo Neri Vela, who remains the country’s only person to reach space. For clarity and quick reference, entries are organized as Nationality,Mission(s),Year(s) so you can see who flew and when; you’ll find these details below.
Who is Mexico’s astronaut and what did they do?
Rodolfo Neri Vela flew as a payload specialist on STS-61-B aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1985, carrying out experiments and representing Mexican science in orbit; the table below lists his nationality, mission(s), and year(s) for easy reference.
Mexican Astronauts
| Name | Nationality | Mission(s) | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodolfo Neri Vela | Mexico | STS-61-B | 1985 |
Images and Descriptions
Rodolfo Neri Vela
Mexican engineer and payload specialist who became the first Mexican citizen to fly in space on NASA’s Space Shuttle STS-61-B in 1985. He conducted materials-processing experiments and public outreach, becoming a national icon for science and space education in Mexico.
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