Xeeis —More than a decade after becoming the first former migrant worker to journey into space as a NASA astronaut, José Hernández celebrates another milestone. His life story, depicted in the film “A Million Miles Away,” has captivated audiences and critics since its September 15th release on Amazon Prime.
The Early Years: Growing Up in a Migrant Worker Family
José Hernández hails from a family of migrant workers who followed the harvest between California and Mexico. Born in California, he spent his summers laboring in the fields. His father, Salvador Hernández, emphasized the importance of education and warned him of a future spent toiling in the fields.
Dreaming Big: The Apollo 17 Moon Landing
Hernández’s dream of becoming an astronaut ignited when he watched the Apollo 17 moon landing in 1972. His father offered crucial advice, providing him with a recipe for success.
The Five Ingredients of Success
In “A Million Miles Away,” director Alejandra Márquez Abella highlights five essential ingredients from Hernández’s journey:
- Find your goal
- Know how far you are
- Draw a roadmap
- If you don’t know how, learn
- When you think you’ve made it, you probably have to work harder
Perseverance Against the Odds
Hernández’s educational journey led him to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering and work at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Despite these accomplishments, becoming a NASA astronaut remained elusive.
The film portrays Hernández’s unwavering determination, emphasizing NASA’s 11 rejections before his acceptance in 2004. Hernández’s family played a pivotal role in supporting him, especially his wife, Adela, portrayed by Rosa Salazar.
“Don’t Disqualify Yourself”: The Power of Support
In a critical moment of doubt following his sixth NASA rejection, Adela’s words, “Let NASA be the one to disqualify you. Don’t disqualify yourself,” rekindled Hernández’s determination. At 41, he achieved his dream, defying the odds with the average age of new astronauts being 34.
Astronaut and Advocate: Hernández’s Controversial Comment
After his return from space, Hernández stirred controversy by expressing hope for comprehensive immigration reform during an interview with Televisa. He shared his perspective that from outer space, borders were indistinguishable, sparking discussions both in support and opposition.
Bringing Life to the Screen: Hernández’s Involvement in the Movie
Hernández actively participated in adapting his life story for the screen. Director Alejandra Márquez Abella took the time to understand his family’s story, resulting in a film that resonates deeply with viewers.
Inspiring Others: From Memoir to Movie
Based on Hernández’s 2012 memoir, “Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut,” the movie aims to inspire a broader audience to pursue their dreams.
Beyond Stardom: Hernández’s “Next Big Dream”
Fame hasn’t changed Hernández. When not promoting the movie, working as an aerospace engineering consultant, or sharing his story as a motivational speaker, the 61-year-old occasionally returns to his agricultural roots. He works alongside his father at their winery, Tierra Luna Cellars, in California, which he describes as his “next big dream.” The winery produces a line of wines inspired by the constellations Hernández gazed upon from space.