Watching the Apollo 17 lunar mission on television in 1972 served as the catalyst for Jose M. Hernandez, who transitioned from a childhood spent harvesting crops in California fields to becoming a mission specialist for NASA. His professional path combines technical innovation in medical imaging with high-stakes space exploration and a later foray into electoral politics.
Early academic path
Born in 1962 in French Camp, California, Hernandez spent his youth moving between his family home in La Piedad, Mexico, and various agricultural sites in the United States. He did not learn English until age 12. During high school, he participated in the Upward Bound program to prepare for higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of the Pacific in 1984, followed by a Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1986.
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From 1990 to 2001, Hernandez worked at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. His primary contribution during this period was the co-development of the first full-field digital mammography imaging system. This technology significantly improved early detection methods for breast cancer. His technical expertise eventually led him to the Johnson Space Center in 2001, where he served as chief of the Materials and Processes branch.
NASA and space flight
After being rejected 11 times for astronaut training, Hernandez was selected by NASA in May 2004. He completed his candidate training in 2006, which included survival and T-38 flight training. In 2007, he spent 11 days underwater as an aquanaut during the NEEMO 12 mission. He eventually served as a mission specialist and flight engineer for the STS-128 space shuttle flight, which launched on August 28, 2009, and lasted 13 days.
Political campaigns
Encouraged by President Barack Obama, Hernandez entered the 2012 race for the U.S. House of Representatives in California's 10th district. Despite winning the Democratic nomination, he lost the general election to incumbent Jeff Denham, receiving 46 percent of the vote. His campaign faced scrutiny regarding his professional title on the ballot, though a court eventually permitted him to use the term astronaut.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, French Camp, California
- Education: University of the Pacific; University of California, Santa Barbara
- NASA selection: May 2004
- Space mission: STS-128, August 2009
- Awards: Ohtli Award (2013)
- Political party: Democrat
Questions readers ask
Did Jose M. Hernandez serve in Congress?
No, he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 but lost the general election to Jeff Denham.
What medical technology did he help invent?
He helped develop the first full-field digital mammography imaging system while working at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of the Pacific, University of California, Santa Barbara and Franklin High School
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and businessperson
