Key dates in when José Hernández became an astronaut
NASA astronaut José Hernández, a first-generation American of Mexican origin, became an astronaut and later flew in space on STS‑128 in 2009. The pathway from applicant to spaceflight involves selection as an astronaut candidate, two years of training, and assignment to a mission. For Hernández, the decisive moment occurred when he was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in May 2004; he completed training and was assigned to a spaceflight soon after, launching on STS‑128 in August 2009. Below is a concise, sourced timeline of when Hernández became an astronaut and flew in space.
NASA astronaut candidate selection in May 2004
In May 2004, NASA announced the selection of 11 new astronaut candidates, including José Hernández. Completion of this candidate class was a necessary step toward full astronaut status and eligibility for spaceflight assignment. Becoming an astronaut candidate marked the formal start of his astronaut career, after which he would need to finish required training and wait for a mission assignment.
Why the 2004 selection matters
Selection as an astronaut candidate does not yet mean being a ‘fully qualified astronaut,’ but it is the definitive entry point. It reflects NASA’s assessment that an individual meets the educational, professional, and physical baseline to proceed. For Hernández, the 2004 selection was the pivotal event answering when he became an astronaut in any official NASA sense.
Training and preparation through 2006
After selection, astronaut candidates undergo approximately two years of training covering spacecraft systems, spacewalk fundamentals, language skills for international crews, and survival training. Hernández completed this foundational training period, which is required before being considered for a mission assignment. Only after finishing this program would he be eligible to fly.
Training components for NASA astronaut candidates
| Training area | Typical duration or timing | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom and systems training | First 6–12 months | Spacecraft and mission fundamentals |
| Spacewalk (EVA) training | Ongoing; intensive blocks | Preparation for external work |
| Robotics and ISS systems | 12–18 months | Daily operations aboard the station |
| Language and survival training | Up to 2 years total | International crew readiness and safety |
Mission assignment and STS‑128 launch in 2009
After completing training, NASA assigned Hernández to STS‑128 in the years following selection. The mission launched on August 28, 2009, and landed on September 11, 2009. This flight marked his first and only spaceflight to date, making 2009 the year he went from trained astronaut to a spaceflying astronaut.
STS‑128 at a glance
| Metric | Detail | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Launch date | August 28, 2009 | NASA mission summary |
| Landing date | September 11, 2009 | NASA mission summary |
| Spacecraft | Space Shuttle Discovery | NASA mission summary |
| Duration | ~14 days | NASA mission summary |
‘Becoming an astronaut’ versus ‘flying in space’
Formally, Hernández became an astronaut in May 2004 when selected as an astronaut candidate. He became a spaceflying astronaut on August 28, 2009, when STS‑128 launched. Distinguishing these two events helps clarify public timelines and avoids conflating selection with flight.
Comparison snapshot
| Status | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Selected as astronaut candidate | May 2004 | Officially entered NASA astronaut corps |
| Completed training | 2006 | Mission-ready status achieved |
| Assigned to STS‑128 | Received flight assignment | |
| Spaceflight (STS‑128) | August 28–September 11, 2009 | First and only spaceflight to date |
Common questions and clarifications
- When was Hernández officially selected as an astronaut candidate? May 2004.
- When did he complete training and become mission-ready? Around 2006.
- When did he fly in space? August–September 2009 on STS‑128.
- Has he flown more than once? No, STS‑128 remains his only spaceflight to date.
Verification and reliable sourcing
Key dates are drawn from NASA’s official astronaut biographies, mission summaries, and reputable secondary sources. When evidence is consistent across multiple authoritative references, it is treated as high-confidence. Where public details are incomplete or ambiguous, the language is qualified to avoid overstatement.
Summary answer to the core question
José Hernández became an astronaut in May 2004 when NASA selected him as an astronaut candidate. He completed training by about 2006 and flew in space on STS‑128, launching August 28, 2009. Selection in 2004 marks when he officially joined the astronaut corps; launch in 2009 marks his first spaceflight.