But his path was unlike that of most astronauts.
Born to immigrant parents, he spent his early years picking produce in California.
While others looked forward to summer vacation, I hated it.
Photo: NASA
Summer vacation meant working seven days a week in the fields.
His earliest memory of space was watching the landing of Apollo 17 on his familys black and white television.
Ever since that moment, he was set on becoming an astronaut.
Photo: NASA
Hernandez went on to get a bachelors degree in electrical engineering from the University of the Pacific in 1984.
He obtained his pilots license, became a certified scuba diver, and even learned to speak Russian.
Finally, in 2004, at age 42, his coveted acceptance letter came.
Photo: NASA
A Million Miles Awayis now streaming on Prime Video.
But his path there was unlike that of most astronauts.
Born to immigrant parents, he spent his early years picking produce in the fields of California.
Photo: NASA
