Key facts and mission record
José Hernández is a former NASA astronaut and engineer known for a single spaceflight to the International Space Station. Born to a migrant farming family in California, he pursued electrical engineering and worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory before selection as an astronaut candidate. His spaceflight focused on laboratory research and station operations. This profile summarizes verified mission facts, career milestones, and public activities, emphasizing his engineering background and advocacy.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | José Hernández | Official NASA biography |
| NASA astronaut selection year | 2004 | NASA public announcements |
| Spaceflights | STS-128 (Discovery) — 2009 | NASA mission summaries |
| Mission duration | ~14 days (launched Aug 28, 2009, landed Sep 11, 2009) | Mission records |
| Primary role on mission | Mission Specialist, ISS Expedition operations and science | NASA mission assignment docs |
| Prior career highlights | Test engineer, Lawrence Livermore National Lab; co-developer of digital mammography imaging system | Published technical bios and interviews |
Childhood and family background
Hernández was born into a Mexican‑American migrant farming family that traveled each year with the harvest in California. He has described working in the fields as a child and learning the value of discipline and education. Family mobility and limited resources shaped his early schooling but did not deter his interest in science and engineering. These experiences later informed his advocacy for accessible education and pathways for students from rural and under‑resourced communities.
Education and technical training
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Stanford University. His graduate research supported imaging and signal processing work. Before astronaut training, he held roles in research and development at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he contributed to sensor and imaging technology, including a digital mammography system. His trajectory reflects sustained technical training and applied engineering work.
NASA astronaut selection and training
Selected by NASA in 2004, Hernández reported to the Johnson Space Center for astronaut candidate training. The standard program included instruction in spacecraft systems, ISS operations, extravehicular activity training, Russian language, and survival training. Completion of training qualified him as a mission specialist eligible for flight assignments. His selection and preparation aligned with NASA’s ongoing reliance on engineers with hands‑on technical expertise for ISS missions.
Spaceflight: STS-128 (Discovery) 2009
Hernández flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-128 in 2009, a logistics flight to the International Space Station. The primary objectives included delivering equipment and supplies, performing ISS assembly tasks, and supporting a wide range of scientific investigations. As a mission specialist, he participated in on‑orbit operations, robotics, and scientific experiments. The mission underscored the role of shuttle flights in sustaining ISS research capability.
Mission objectives and daily operations
During STS-128, Hernández supported shuttle and ISS systems inspections, robotic arm operations, and multi‑disciplinary science experiments. The mission also carried critical spare parts and hardware to maintain station capabilities. Public NASA materials highlight that crew time was allocated between maintenance, research, and educational outreach, consistent with ISS shuttle objectives of the era.
Highlights and outcomes
The flight delivered equipment for ongoing investigations and returned ISS cargo no longer needed on board. Extravehicular activity was not scheduled for this mission. Mission success was measured by safe rendezvous, berthing, and completion of planned payloads. The flight reinforced international cooperation on ISS research and operations.
Post‑flight career and advocacy
After retiring from NASA, Hernández continued public engagement, emphasizing education, workforce development, and civic participation. He has spoken at schools, community events, and engineering outreach programs, often highlighting his background as a child of farmworkers. His public remarks focus on applying technical training to public service, supporting STEM education, and improving access to opportunities for underrepresented students. These activities extend his professional identity beyond astronaut to community advocate.
Public profile and legacy
Hernández is frequently cited in discussions about diversity in aerospace and the value of stories from migrant and rural communities. His career illustrates how technical education and persistence can create pathways into high‑technology roles. Public institutions and educators reference his trajectory when discussing inclusive approaches to STEM training and recruitment. His legacy combines mission experience with continued engagement in education and outreach.