Born in French Camp, California, José Hernández comes from a family of Mexican immigrants who came to the United States in search of a better life. Despite facing socioeconomic challenges, Hernández always had the support of his parents to study and pursue his dreams. From an early age, he worked in the fields and learned English at age 12.
In a very short time, he went from farming to being an expert in mechanical engineering. His determination and dedication led him to enroll at the University of the Pacific and earn degrees in electrical science and engineering with a master's degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Throughout his career, Hernández faced eleven rejections before being selected by NASA.
Far from giving up, he persisted and his tenacity finally paid off when he was assigned to the STS-12 mission. During that period, he became a certified diver, obtained his pilot's license and learned Russian to improve his skills. He was to go aboard the space shuttle Discovery and take the logistics module “Leonardo” into space to study the physics and chemistry of microgravity.
Finally, on August 29, 2009, his transformative journey took him to the International Space Station, where for 14 days he fulfilled his dream of viewing the Earth from space and contributing to scientific research. Hernández's life has been so impactful that it inspired the production of the film "A Million Miles Away," which chronicles his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to his success as a NASA astronaut. His life is an inspiring testimony of determination, perseverance and overcoming adversity.
On June 6, 2024, renowned astronaut José Hernández will appear at HotelBeds MarketHub Americas 2024, in Las Vegas, to share his inspiring story and his deep connection to outer space. In his passionate speech titled “The Final Frontier: Lessons from Astronaut Jose Hernandez,” he will explore the similarities between tourism professionals and astronauts, highlighting the importance of ingenuity, adaptability and teamwork in both areas.
This unique event will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn from Hernandez's experiences and gain a unique perspective on space exploration and life on Earth. At the same time, the HotelBeds MarketHub in Las Vegas offers a platform to explore new frontiers in the tourism industry. This annual event brings together industry leaders and professionals to share emerging trends, innovative ideas and collaboration opportunities.