posted 08-09-2016 04:03 PM               

Although Marcos Pontes, Brazil's first and only astronaut, was apparently absent from the torch relay and opening ceremony, the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio has not been without astronaut appearances.

• Julie Payette (STS-96, STS-127) is in Rio as a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

• Buzz Aldrin (Gemini 12, Apollo 11) arrived on Tuesday (Aug. 9) to take part in activities for OMEGA, the official timekeeper of the Olympics. From Aldrin on Facebook:

  Go Team USA Women's gymnastics final! I'm here cheering in the stands for you ladies!

  

• NASA astronauts Jeff Williams and Kate Rubins have also been watching the games —  from aboard the International Space Station. They sent this message to Team USA:

posted 08-11-2016 10:08 PM               

This evening (Aug. 11) OMEGA House in Rio was transformed for a unique "Cocktails in Space" event, attended by the legendary astronaut and OMEGA ambassador Buzz Aldrin. The OMEGA Speedmaster has been the first watch worn on the moon.