José Hernández made history by sending the first Spanish-language tweet from Space

 

POSTED ON Sep 25, 2023

 

The National Museum of the American Latino is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing stories of the contributions of Hispanics in America.

José Moreno Hernández, the son of migrant farm workers from Mexico, grew up picking produce between March and December along the “California Circuit.”

He was inspired by the Apollo 17 mission on TV in 1972 and developed an interest in space.

After earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering, Hernández developed the first full-field digital mammography system for the early detection of breast cancer.

Hernández applied to NASA’s astronaut program three times before being selected in 2004.

He was then sent on a NASA mission in 2009 to help complete the construction of the International Space Station.

During his time in space, he made history by sending the first Spanish-language tweet.

Before his tweet in Spanish, he shared some thoughts in English: “Settling in and realizing my dream… Micro G is great. I finished setting up the computers and ready for bed! Don’t need pillow!”

Hernandez spent 13 days, 20 hours, and 54 minutes in space before retiring.

Check out National Museum of the American Latino’s “José Moreno Hernández” by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, National Portrait Gallery USA; gift of Catherine and Ingrid Pino Duran, 2011 to learn more about his inspiring story.

Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month! This month-long celebration gives extra recognition to the contributions Latinos have made to the history and culture of the United States. Learn why we celebrate and how you can, too! https://t.co/nTHGuy0Bq0 #SmithsonianHHM

— National Museum of the American Latino (@USLatinoMuseum) September 15, 2023

Explore the wonder's of Hispanic Culture through Smithsonian's interactive exhibit!

Check it out here – https://t.co/upfYRHsa3S#ActivusConnect #SmartVirtual #ElevatingExperiences #AX #CX #HX #EX #WeAreActivus #SafelyFromHome pic.twitter.com/URCSKRU2gN

— Activus Connect (@ActivusConnect) September 21, 2023