Where Is Jose Hernandez Now? What Happened to Jose Hernandez?
by Preethi | Updated Sep 20, 2023
Who is Jose Hernandez?
Jose Moreno Hernandez is an American engineer and former NASA astronaut who has had a remarkable journey from a humble background to space exploration. He considers Stockton, California, as his hometown. His family hails from La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico. As a child, he spent half the year in Mexico and half in the United States, working alongside his family as farm laborers, migrating between towns. His journey is a testament to hard work and perseverance.
He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Pacific and later obtained an M.S. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before joining NASA, Hernandez worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he contributed to the development of a digital mammography system for early breast cancer detection.
Name
José Moreno Hernández
Date of Birth
August 7, 1962
Age
61
Place of Birth
French Camp, California, U.S.
Family Origin
La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico
Education
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of the Pacific (1984)
M.S. in ECE, University of California, Santa Barbara (1986)
Space Career
NASA Astronaut, selected in 2004
Space Shuttle mission STS-128
Retirement
January 14, 2011
Spouse
Adela Hernández
children
5
Entrepreneurship
Owns a vineyard near Lodi, California
Where is Jose Hernandez Now?
Jose Hernandez, the NASA astronaut whose incredible journey is the subject of the movie "A Million Miles Away," has continued to lead a diverse and inspiring life.
Tierra Luna Cellars:
Jose Hernandez is actively involved in managing Tierra Luna Cellars, a vineyard located in California. This venture is a heartfelt tribute to his family's heritage, rooted in generations of agricultural labor. Tierra Luna Cellars produces its own line of wines, each named after constellations that Jose observed during his time as an astronaut.
Tierra Luna Engineering:
In addition to his involvement in the wine business, Jose Hernandez serves as the CEO of Tierra Luna Engineering. This company specializes in providing innovative solutions for aerospace, advanced technologies, and educational outreach. It also offers comprehensive solutions to organizations seeking to enhance their manufacturing capabilities sustainably and cost-effectively.
Author and Motivational Speaker:
Beyond his business ventures, Jose Hernandez is a published author. He penned "Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut," a book that chronicles his remarkable journey to becoming an astronaut. This book has garnered positive reviews online. He has also authored "The Boy Who Touched the Stars," an illustrated book aimed at introducing children to the concept of space travel.
Movie "A Million Miles Away":
A notable highlight in Jose Hernandez's journey is the release of the movie "A Million Miles Away." This film, available on Prime Video, portrays the captivating story of his life. From growing up in a rural village in Mexico to achieving the dream of becoming a NASA astronaut and venturing to the International Space Station, the movie celebrates his drive, determination, and the unwavering support of those around him. Actor Michael Peña portrays Jose Hernandez in the film.
Jose Hernandez's story is not only one of remarkable achievement but also of perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite being rejected 11 times in his quest to become a NASA astronaut, he finally earned his spot on the twelfth attempt, becoming the first migrant farm worker to enter space. His life serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, inspiring not only those from similar backgrounds but anyone with dreams and aspirations.
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Jose Hernandez Age
Jose Hernandez was born on August 7, 1962, which means he is currently 61 years old as of 2023. His life has been marked by incredible achievements, particularly his journey from a farmworker's son to becoming an astronaut. Despite facing numerous challenges and rejections, Hernandez's determination and hard work eventually led him to realize his dream of going to space.
Jose Hernandez Early life
Jose Hernandez's early life was shaped by his upbringing as the child of a migrant farmworker family. Born in French Camp, California, he split his time between the United States and La Piedad, Mexico, where his family originated. As a child, he worked alongside his family in the fields of California, harvesting crops and frequently moving from one town to another due to the seasonal nature of their work. This upbringing meant he attended several schools and didn't learn to speak English until the age of 12.
Despite these challenges, Hernandez's dedication to education and his dreams shone through. He participated in programs like Upward Bound and Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) during high school, and he graduated from Franklin High School in Stockton. These programs prepared him for college and a career in STEM fields. His early experiences, including his first memory of space watching the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, set the stage for his incredible journey into space.
Jose Hernandez Career
Jose Hernandez's career is a testament to his unwavering determination and hard work. After obtaining a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Pacific and an M.S. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara, he worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he played a role in developing a groundbreaking digital mammography imaging system for early breast cancer detection.
In 2001, Hernandez joined the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. It took him 12 attempts and years of perseverance to finally be selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2004. He completed extensive training, including scientific and technical briefings, physiological training, and T-38 flight training.
Hernandez was then assigned to the Shuttle Branch to support Shuttle launch and landing preparations. His journey reached a pinnacle when he became a mission specialist on the STS-128 mission in 2009, making him the first person to use the Spanish language in space while tweeting.
Jose Hernandez Personal life
José Hernandez and his wife Adela have five children: Julio, Karina, Vanessa, Marisol, and Antonio. Their family history is intertwined with their commitment to education and hard work. In fact, Adela once ran a Mexican restaurant called Tierra Luna Grill, emphasizing their connection to their roots.
Beyond his family life and space career, Hernandez has been involved in various ventures. He served on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit humanitarian space agency, SpaceUnited. Additionally, he owns a 20-acre vineyard near Lodi, California, and started bottling wine under the Tierra Luna Cellars label in 2021. His commitment to education and giving back to the community reflects his dedication to helping others achieve their dreams.
Jose Hernandez Net Worth
José M. Hernández's net worth is estimated at $7 million. His career and dedication to space exploration have contributed to his financial success. Over the years, his net worth has shown significant growth, highlighting his achievements and recognition in the field:
2023
$7.0
2022
$6.5
2021
$6.0
2020
$5.5
2019
$5.0
Year
Net Worth (in Millions)
Hernandez's remarkable journey from a migrant farmworker to a NASA astronaut, combined with his entrepreneurial endeavors, has played a significant role in his financial accomplishments. His story continues to inspire many, serving as a testament to the rewards of hard work and perseverance.
A Million Miles Away Movie
Jose Hernandez's life story is told in the movie "A Million Miles Away." It's on Prime Video, and it's about how he became an astronaut. The movie is inspiring because it shows how he achieved his dream.
What Happened to Jose Hernandez?
Jose Hernandez is now doing different things. He owns a vineyard in California called Tierra Luna Cellars. He's also in charge of Tierra Luna Engineering. He wrote books and gives motivational speeches. Plus, there's a movie about his life.
Where Is Jose Hernandez Now - FAQs
Jose Hernandez manages Tierra Luna Cellars, owns Tierra Luna Engineering, and is an author and motivational speaker. He's also the subject of the movie "A Million Miles Away."
Jose Hernandez is 61 years old.
Jose Hernandez grew up as a migrant farmworker, splitting his time between the U.S. and Mexico, learning English at age 12.
Jose Hernandez is a former NASA astronaut who also worked on advanced medical imaging technology before joining NASA.
Jose M. Hernandez's net worth is estimated at $7 million in 2023, with notable growth over the years.