José M. Hernández, the former NASA astronaut, and his wife, Adela, are parents to five kids: Julio, Karina, Vanessa, Marisol, and Antonio.
José was born on August 7, 1962, in French Camp, California. However, he considers Stockton, California, his hometown and holds it dear to his heart.
With roots tracing back to La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico, he maintains a balanced lifestyle, spending half the year in La Piedad and the other half in the United States, holding Mexican-American nationality.
During his early years, José M. Hernández worked with his family and other farmworkers in the fields of California, gathering crops and relocating from town to town.
He graduated with a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of the Pacific in 1984. In 1986, he earned an M.S. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
In 2001, he became a member of the Johnson Space Center, and despite facing eleven rejections for astronaut training, earned selection in May 2004.
Upon finishing training, he was designated to the Shuttle Branch, contributing to Kennedy Space Center Operations for shuttle launch and landing preparations.
After diverse technical assignments, Hernández was appointed as a mission specialist on July 15, 2008, for STS-128, launching on August 28, 2009, and made history by being the first person to tweet in Spanish from space.
“A Million Miles Away”, the 2023 biopic, showcases Hernández’s life with Michael Peña taking on the protagonist role. He is actively engaged as a Regent at the University of California.
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José M. Hernández Kids
José M. Hernández is a proud father of five kids including Julio, Karina, Vanessa, Marisol, and Antonio.
All of his children have truly taken inspiration from their father’s commitment to his dream and are now pursuing their own careers and academic journeys with dedication.
Julio, the eldest son, has followed in his father’s footsteps and achieved remarkable academic success.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s in Engineering Science, and a Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautics Engineering from Purdue University, Julio has made significant strides in his educational journey.
Vanessa, the third child, graduated from Loyola Marymount University and has actively engaged with social media platforms.
Through these channels, she explores and shares insights into her father’s extraordinary journey, allowing others to learn and be inspired.
Yesenia, José’s fourth child, pursued a Bachelor’s in Statistics and Data Science from UC Santa Barbara. She furthered her education with a Master’s in Data Science from the University of the Pacific.
Antonio, the youngest member of the family, commenced his university education at the University of California, Merced, in 2021.
As the family’s youngest, he represents the next generation carrying forward the legacy of determination and pursuit of dreams.
As each of José’s children focuses on their individual paths, they collectively embody the values instilled by their father — a testament to the impact of parental inspiration on shaping the aspirations and achievements of the next generation.
José M. Hernández’s Wife: Who Is Adela?
José M. Hernández’s wife, Adela, is a pillar of support in his life and endeavors. Their journey started after they went on a blind date arranged by José’s sister.
Eventually, they began dating, and after almost two years of relationship, they tied the knot on May 30, 1992.
Adela’s background mirrors José’s, both originating from families of farmworkers. She pursued education at San Joaquin Delta College and contributed her skills to Macy’s, specializing in cosmetics.
Hernández’s wife, Adela’s supportive role extends beyond their personal life, as she managed the Tierra Luna Grill, a Mexican restaurant near the Johnson Space Center.
When José chose to depart from NASA, Adela played a pivotal role in his decision, emphasizing the importance of family time.
The Hernández family, now residing in Stockton, California, embraces the joys and challenges of raising five children together.
Her steadfast support illustrates her integral role in his life, marking Adela as a dedicated partner and nurturing mother to their kids.
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