Reactions of fellow astronauts in ‘A Million Miles Away’ towards the new film and its emphasis
In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and achievement, the upcoming film “A Million Miles Away” tells the real-life story of José Hernández, a migrant farm worker turned NASA astronaut. Set to stream on Amazon Prime Video tonight, the film follows Hernández’s journey from his humble beginnings to finally achieving his dream of going to space.
Hernández, portrayed by Michael Peña in the film, is shown interacting with his crewmates on the space shuttle Discovery. While Hernández is known for his engineering talent, his fellow astronauts also praise his humility and dedication. Nicole Stott, who joined Hernández on the STS-128 crew, describes him as a “pretty humble guy” and emphasizes his inspirational story.
The STS-128 crew consisted of mission commander Frederick “CJ” Sturckow, pilot Kevin Ford, and fellow mission specialists Pat Forrester, Danny Olivas, and Christer Fuglesang. Fuglesang, representing the European Space Agency, speaks highly of Hernández and describes him as someone who wasn’t shy about sharing his story.
Throughout the film, Sturckow serves as Hernández’s mentor and point of contact at NASA, with Garret Dillahunt portraying him on screen. Ford also highlights Hernández’s crucial role as a Mission Specialist 2 on the shuttle crew, responsible for understanding and executing various flight phases.
“A Million Miles Away” not only features actors portraying the astronauts but also includes archival footage and photos of the real crew members. Director Alejandra Márquez Abella worked closely with NASA to ensure accuracy in depicting their story.
Today, 14 years after their mission, Hernández and his crewmates have taken different paths. Sturckow continues his journey to space as a commercial pilot for Virgin Galactic, while Fuglesang teaches human spaceflight and serves as an industry consultant. Stott has found a new purpose as the founding director of the Space for Art Foundation, which uses the wonder of space exploration to help children facing challenges.
This inspiring film showcases Hernández’s determination and the support of his crewmates in achieving his dreams. It serves as a reminder that anyone can overcome obstacles and reach for the stars. As Stott eagerly anticipates the film’s release, it’s clear that Hernández’s story will continue to inspire others for years to come.
