In collaboration with Amazon Studios, NASA has helped tell the life and career of retired astronaut José Hernández through the upcoming movie “A Million Miles Away”, starring Michael Peña.
The film tells the story of Hernández, who was born in 1962 in French Camp, California, in a family of Mexican migrants. From a young age, he worked with his parents harvesting fruits and vegetables in the fields. He has explained how his interest in space was sparked while working in the fields: “I was cleaning a row of sugar beets with a hoe and heard on the radio that Franklin Chang-Díaz (another Hispanic) had been selected as an astronaut, and that was the moment I said ‘I want to travel to space’. Since then, it’s something I fought for every day.”
Hernández studied at Pacific University and later earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In 2004, he was selected by NASA for its astronaut team.
Hernández made his first trip to space on the STS-128 mission, launched in 2009 to the International Space Station (ISS). From there, he tweeted for the first time in Spanish.
For the movie, which will be released in the US later this month, NASA has provided technical expertise, footage, and images, as well as obtaining the necessary permissions for set design, props, and costumes. “José, a Latino astronaut, is one of the many professionals from different backgrounds who have contributed to our work of exploring the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all,” said Elaine Ho, head of diversity at NASA’s headquarters in Washington. “His story, which highlights the power of perseverance to achieve your dreams, is an inspiration for individuals of all backgrounds,” she added. Since 1980, the agency has selected over a dozen Latino astronauts.
“The release of this film coincides with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, providing an important platform to help tell stories like Hernández’s, while also promoting awareness of NASA’s history and inspiring a new generation: the Artemis Generation,” said Brian Odom, NASA’s chief historian.
The US space agency is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion for its entire workforce. Currently, it continues its lunar exploration missions through the Artemis program, which will send the first woman and first non-white person to the lunar surface. Next, their next big leap will be a journey to Mars.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
