José Hernández at a glance
José Hernández is a former NASA astronaut and engineer of Mexican heritage, best known for serving as a mission specialist on STS-128 in 2009. Born to a migrant farming family in California, he overcame geographic and socioeconomic challenges to earn a degree in electrical engineering and a career in national security and technology. His spaceflight focused on logistics and science aboard the International Space Station. This profile provides a durable, factual overview of his background, career, and verified achievements for long‑term reference.
Biographical overview and background
José Hernández was born August 7, 1962, in French Camp, California. His parents worked in agricultural labor, and his childhood involved seasonal moves across California’s Central Valley. He attended local public schools, became fluent in Spanish and English, and showed early interest in math and science. Those interests led to a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Science in electrical engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before NASA, Hernández worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and at the Johnson Space Center as an engineer and project manager, supporting control‑system design and remote‑sensing technologies.
NASA selection and astronaut training
Hernández was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in May 2004 and reported for training in August 2004. His training program included spacecraft systems instruction, survival training, language coaching for international operations, and intensive preparation for work on the International Space Station. As a mission specialist, he was qualified for both EVA (spacewalk) and robotic arm operations. He completed training in 2006 and remained an active NASA astronaut through his spaceflight and subsequent assignments.
Flight assignment and STS-128 mission
Hernández was assigned to STS-128 as a mission specialist, serving on the shuttle Discovery. Launched on August 28, 2009, and landing on September 11, 2009, the mission delivered the Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System to the ISS. It also returned a Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module filled with experiment samples and equipment. Hernández operated the shuttle’s robotic arm during rendezvous and docking, supported ISS maintenance, and participated in scientific investigations focused on human physiology, technology demonstrations, and biology in microgravity.
Post‑NASA career and public outreach
After retiring from NASA in 2011, Hernández continued working in technology, engineering management, and public service. He held roles focused on space policy, STEM education, and workforce development, frequently emphasizing pathways for underrepresented students. Hernández has served on educational advisory boards, participated in public speaking and mentorship initiatives, and advocated for expanding access to careers in science and engineering. He has also contributed commentary on space policy and the future of human spaceflight in interviews and public forums.
Verified achievements and timeline
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | José Hernández | NASA biography |
| Date of birth | August 7, 1962 | NASA biography, public records |
| Place of birth | French Camp, California, U.S. | NASA biography, interviews |
| Education | B.S. and M.S. in electrical engineering | University records, NASA profile |
| NASA selection | May 2004 (astronaut candidate) | NASA announcement archive |
| Spaceflight | STS-128 (Space Shuttle Discovery) | NASA mission summary |
| Mission dates | August 28 – September 11, 2009 | Mission press kit |
| Role on mission | Mission specialist; robotic arm operations | NASA mission assignment |
| EVA qualification | Qualified for spacewalk training (no EVA performed on STS-128) | NASA astronaut assignment records |
| Post‑NASA career | Technology, STEM education, space policy roles | Post‑NASA interviews, organizational bios |
STS-128 mission objectives and results
STS-128’s primary goals were to deliver the Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility (JEM-EF) and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System to the ISS, return a filled logistics module, and conduct a suite of scientific experiments. The mission completed three spacewalks focused on station assembly and maintenance, all performed by crewmates. Hernández contributed remote‑manipulator-system operations during docking and undocking, managed payload activities, and supported in‑flight experiments. The mission returned samples and hardware that advanced scientific understanding of long‑duration spaceflight effects.
Technical background and systems expertise
Hernández’s engineering work centered on control systems, signal processing, and remote sensing. At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory he contributed to development of digital image processing for electron microscopy and satellite imaging systems. His experience informed his approach to spaceflight operations, where precise control and situational awareness are essential. This technical foundation underpinned his effectiveness on STS-128, particularly in activities requiring fine manipulation of the shuttle and station equipment.
Frequently asked questions
- Did José Hernández fly on the International Space Station? — Yes, he lived and worked aboard the ISS during STS-128 in 2009.
- Did he perform a spacewalk during STS-128? — No; he was qualified and trained for EVA but did not conduct a spacewalk on that mission.
- What did he do after leaving NASA? — He pursued roles in technology management, STEM education, and space policy, with significant public speaking and mentorship.
- Where can I verify basic facts about his career? — NASA’s official astronaut biography page and mission press kits are primary sources.
- Is he involved in current NASA programs? — As of available public information through 2023, he is not an active astronaut, though he remains engaged in space‑related outreach.
Resources and further reading
For authoritative information, consult NASA’s astronaut biography page for José Hernández, the STS-128 mission press kit, and Johnson Space Center public archives. These documents provide mission timelines, technical summaries, and verified career history. Reputable science and news outlets that interviewed Hernández after NASA provide additional context on his post‑NASA advocacy and ongoing influence in STEM education.
Key takeaways
- José Hernández is a former NASA astronaut and electrical engineer who flew aboard STS-128 in 2009.
- His background includes work in national laboratory research and space systems engineering before selection as an astronaut.
- The mission delivered and installed Japanese Experiment Module hardware on the ISS and returned significant experiment samples.
- He is recognized for his advocacy in STEM education and efforts to broaden participation in space and engineering careers.
- Facts about his career, education, and mission record are well documented by NASA and primary source materials.