ICYMI: “A Million Miles Away” Movie Panel Discussion

To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, Johnson Space Center’s Hispanic Employee Resource Group organized a special gathering on Sept. 15, 2023 at Space Center Houston. 

Employees and guests came together for an exclusive screening of "A Million Miles Away," a film detailing the inspiring true story of retired NASA astronaut José Hernández and his journey from migrant farm worker to space explorer. NASA collaborated with Amazon Studios, providing technical expertise, footage, and imagery, as well as securing clearances for set designs, props, and costumes. 

In welcome remarks, Center Director Vanessa Wyche spoke about the importance of perseverance and how the major contributions of NASA’s Hispanic and Latino workforce have and will continue to shape the agency’s future.  

“Just as José was inspired by the announcement of Franklin Chang-Diaz as the first Hispanic American chosen to travel into space, we celebrate what is to come and who Jose’s story will inspire,” Director Wyche said. “As we continue exploration on the International Space Station and prepare for new discoveries via human missions to the Moon and Mars, this movie and José’s inspiring story shows all of us no obstacle or barrier is insurmountable.”

Following the screening, attendees engaged in a live Q&A session with panelists, including Hernández, Arturo Sanchez, Johnson director of external relations, Alejandra Márquez Abella, the film’s co-writer and director, and Diana Trujillo, aerospace engineer and flight director at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.

This event not only celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month but also provided a unique opportunity to connect with the incredible individuals who contributed to the making of the film and who continue to make significant contributions to the field of space exploration.

Scroll below for more images and a video of the panel discussion.