Alberto Santos-Dumont was a Brazilian aviation pioneer born on July 20, 1873. He is best known for his contributions to early flight, particularly in the development of lighter-than-air and heavier-than-air aircraft. Santos-Dumont gained fame for his public flights in Paris, where he showcased his inventions, including the dirigible and the 14-bis, a pioneering heavier-than-air flying machine. Santos-Dumont's achievements earned him recognition as one of the first aviators in history. He won the Deutsch de la Meurthe prize in 1906 for flying the 14-bis over a distance of 60 meters. His work laid the groundwork for future aviation advancements and inspired many, including the Wright brothers. He passed away on July 23, 1932.