Mexicans up in space

This is the first time two mexicans go up to space together. After 3 failed launching attempts due to bad weather and technical failures, Astronauts José Hernández, being from Michoacán, Mexico, and John Daniel Olivas, being from a Mexican descent, went up to space. Both wished since childhood to someday go up to space and explore it thoroughly.

They traveled along with with 5 other astronauts: pilot Kevin Ford, mission specialists Patrick Forrester, Nicole Stott and swedish Christer Fuglesang, all being commanded by Rick Sturcklow. The mission: deliver the International Space Station a module called Leonardo, restocking supplies needed by the people in the space station, as well as exchanging astronauts Nicole Stott for Tim Kopra.

The story of José Hernández is impressive, as he, before being able to become an astronaut, was rejected 11 times by NASA. He will be having 3 space walks, with the objective of replacing a damaged ammonium tank in the space station.

They will be spending a total of 13 days before returning to Earth.

Miguel C.