Dr. Jose Hernandez
Reaching New Heights
Expert on
- Astronaut
- Motivational
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Adventure
- Overcoming Adversity
Fee Range
$35,000–$45,000Travels from
CA, USBiography
Dr. José Hernández is an inspiring former NASA astronaut, engineer, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker whose remarkable journey from migrant farmworker to space traveler continues to captivate audiences around the world. As President and CEO of Tierra Luna Engineering, LLC, an aerospace engineering consulting firm, and a University of California Regent, Dr. Hernández brings a powerful message of perseverance, purpose, and achieving the impossible.
From 2001 to 2011, Dr. Hernández served at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in multiple leadership and technical roles, including legislative analyst, branch chief, materials research engineer, and astronaut. He flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery as a flight engineer on mission STS-128, the shuttle’s penultimate mission, helping deliver and install more than seven tons of equipment to the International Space Station during the 14-day mission.
Before joining NASA, Dr. Hernández spent 17 years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he worked on the X-ray laser project and co-developed the first full-field digital mammography imaging system for early breast cancer detection. He also held leadership roles in nuclear non-proliferation programs with both Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy.
In addition to leading his engineering company, Dr. Hernández is the author of three books, including his autobiography, Reaching for the Stars, which inspired the Amazon Prime Video film A Million Miles Away starring Michael Peña. He also owns and operates Tierra Luna Cellars, producing wines that honor his agricultural roots and entrepreneurial spirit.
Known worldwide for his engaging storytelling and uplifting message, Dr. Hernández inspires audiences to dream big, work hard, and overcome adversity through determination and resilience. He holds a Master’s degree in Signals and Systems Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Pacific, and has received nine honorary doctorate degrees.