Astronaut Jose Hernandez hosts event in Edinburg

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On Monday, renowned astronaut Jose Hernandez played his biography film for thousands of Rio Grande Valley students.

The movie “A Million Miles Away” tells the story of his life as a farmworker to a NASA astronaut.

The screening was held at the Bert Ogden Arena.

Hernandez talked to the students before the film and touched on his journey from working in the fields of California to flying as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2009.

He said he wants the same opportunity for students.

“It’s important that we do have SpaceX here that inspires the next generation of explorers, which includes our Latino kids.”

Actor Bobby Soto joined Hernandez from the film, who played Jose’s cousin Beto.

Bobby feels similarly and wants to inspire Latinos towards acting.

“I hope this inspires the youth to see themselves, again, to be recognized in film and as a scientist, an engineer, an astronaut. For me, I’m inspired just speaking next to Mr. Hernandez, so it will be special for everyone.”

Soto was pleased by the film’s overwhelmingly positive reception at the showing. 

Hernandez and Soto plan to continue promoting Latino representation in STEM studies and film. As well as inspiring the next generation of explorers with particular emphasis on Latino youth into STEM careers.

It took three tries before Hernandez could fly on the shuttle. The first attempt was cancelled by the weather and the second due to a mechanical issue. He finally flew into space on the Space Shuttle Discovery on August 28, 2009.