Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut
José M. Hernández with Monica Rojas Rubin · 2012
A book-length account for readers who want more detail.
1960s–2009 · San Joaquin Valley and Stockton, California; Houston, Texas; Kennedy Space Center, Florida
José Hernández
From migrant farm work to spaceflight
José Hernández grew up in a migrant farmworker family and pursued electrical engineering before joining NASA. After years of applications, he was selected for astronaut training in 2004 and flew aboard Discovery’s STS-128 mission in 2009. His memoir and A Million Miles Away explore the family support and persistence behind that journey.
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The Story
When1960s–2009
WhereSan Joaquin Valley and Stockton, California; Houston, Texas; Kennedy Space Center, Florida
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A Million Miles Away
Prime Video · 2023 · directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella
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NASA · September 24, 2024
Astronaut José Hernández Boards Discovery
NASA’s historical photograph and career overview confirm his 2004 astronaut selection and 2009 spaceflight.
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Books
1 itemsJosé M. Hernández with Monica Rojas Rubin · 2012
Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut
Hernández’s autobiography follows his childhood in a migrant farmworker family, engineering education and path to NASA. Read alongside NASA’s mission and career records.
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Prime Video · 2023 · directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella
A Million Miles Away
The studio’s interview with Hernández and the director explores the film’s portrayal of his family and astronaut ambitions.
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Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut
Search Audiobook Editions · paid linkJosé M. Hernández with Monica Rojas Rubin · 2012
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Prime Video · 2023 · directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella
A Million Miles Away
The studio’s interview with Hernández and the director explores the film’s portrayal of his family and astronaut ambitions.
Fiction / DramatizationScreen Title · Viewing Access Varies
Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
View on Prime Video · paid linkViewing options & film details
Prime Video · Check current price and availability on Amazon.
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STS-128 mission record
NASA’s official mission page identifies Hernández as a mission specialist and records Discovery’s launch, landing and work at the International Space Station.
NASA · mission flown August 28–September 11, 2009
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