Tennessee-born Puerto Rican: NASA’s rising star

By Ivan Sanchez

Marcos Berríos, a Tennessee-born Puerto Rican, is poised to make history as the second astronaut from the island territory, following in the footsteps of Joseph “Joe” Acabá. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced his selection as one of the 10 astronaut candidates for the year 2021.

Berríos, who graduated from NASA’s Artemis program in March, represents a significant milestone for Puerto Rico and the Hispanic community at large, according to Professor Gerardo Morell, director of the NASA Puerto Rico Consortium.

“To me, Marcos Berríos’ achievement has significance both locally and nationally for Hispanics,” Morell said. “Locally, it demonstrates the ability of Puerto Ricans to contribute to the space exploration program, and also, nationally, it is an invitation from NASA to Hispanics that the doors are open.”

Selected from a competitive pool of over 12,000 applicants, Berríos embarked on a rigorous two-year training program. He received his “wings” at a graduation ceremony on March 5 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Upon graduation, Berríos is eligible for space flights, potentially including assignments to the International Space Station, future commercial destinations, and even missions to the moon and Mars.

Dr. Mónica Feliú Mójer, director of Public Participation in Science for Ciencia Puerto Rico, hailed Berríos’s accomplishment as “a great milestone for Puerto Rican science.”

Born in Fort Campbell, Tennessee, and raised in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Berríos attended Antilles High School before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He later earned master’s and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering and Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University.

Berríos began his operational flying career in 2011 as a HH-60G Combat Search and Rescue helicopter pilot with the California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing. He served in the War in Afghanistan, participating in search and rescue missions.

Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee congressman, congratulated Berríos in a tweet, highlighting his completion of two years of training at the Johnson Space Center and his eligibility for space flight.