Former migrant worker-turned-NASA astronaut José Hernández has achieved yet another milestone as the film about his incredible journey, “A Million Miles Away,” became the most popular movie streaming on Amazon Prime. The film chronicles Hernández’s transition from working in the fields of California to reaching the International Space Station. Starring Michael Peña as Hernández, the movie has garnered widespread praise and appreciation since its release on September 15.
Hernández, who made history in 2009 as one of two Latino astronauts on board the Space Shuttle Discovery, has always defied the odds. Born in California to parents from the Mexican state of Michoacán, Hernández grew up as part of a migrant worker family, spending summers harvesting fruits and vegetables. Despite the arduous work, Hernández kept his dreams of becoming an astronaut alive, inspired by the Apollo 17 moon landing in 1972.
In the film, director Alejandra Márquez Abella portrays Hernández’s journey through five key ingredients: finding one’s goal, understanding the distance to be covered, mapping out a path, acquiring necessary knowledge and skills, and persisting even when success seems near. The movie also highlights the pivotal role played by Hernández’s family, including his wife Adela, portrayed by Rosa Salazar.
Hernández’s journey to space was not an easy one. The film depicts the numerous rejections he faced during the astronaut selection process and emphasizes the support and determination of his family in helping him overcome those setbacks. At age 41, Hernández finally achieved his dream of becoming an astronaut, with the average age for new astronauts being 34.
His experience in space further shaped his perspective on immigration and borders. Viewing Earth from outer space, Hernández noted that borders were merely human inventions that divided people, remarking that from his perspective, “we were all one.” He expressed hope that officials would create a more welcoming environment for migrants in the future.
Hernández worked closely with the film’s director and had input in the script, drawing from his memoir, “Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut.” He sees the film as an opportunity to motivate others to maximize their potential and pursue their dreams.
Despite his achievements and fame, Hernández remains grounded and dedicated to his family. He continues to perform his everyday chores and occasionally works in agriculture alongside his father. Now 61 years old, Hernández finds joy in working under his own terms and enjoys sharing his story as a motivational speaker.
“A Million Miles Away” serves as an inspiring tribute to Hernández’s perseverance and determination, resonating with audiences around the world. The film’s success on Amazon Prime reflects the admiration and fascination people have for Hernández’s extraordinary journey from the fields of California to the vastness of space.