Mexican Astronaut Monitoring Trash In Space

Deep in an article entitled, “NASA Analyzing Junk That Could Threaten Astronauts,” the Associated Press takes a detour from the story to remind you that the space shuttle has a Mexican on board:

Shuttle astronaut Jose Hernandez, a Mexican-American who grew up in a migrant worker family, also took time out for several TV interviews and discussed his Catholic faith.

When asked in Spanish if being surrounded by all that science and technology diminished his faith, Hernandez replied that on the contrary, seeing Earth and all the stars from on high confirms his belief that all this cannot possibly be by chance and that there is a greater plan with a supernatural power.

Plus, he saw La Virgen in a piece of discarded rocket booster.

Hernandez said he always carries with him, even now, his scapular and crucifix, which received the blessing of his parish priest.

Oh my god, he is so totally Catholic. It’s like he came from a charming, other time.

The astronaut sent greetings to Mexican President Felipe Calderon, who happens to be from his parents’ home state of Michoacan, as well as his Aunt Rosa, who promised to have some good meat tacos waiting for him. Friends, meanwhile, promised ”a good mole” sauce on his next visit to Mexico.

Hernandez said he bicycles and runs every day, even in space. “That way, I can eat all the Mexican tacos and cornitas and mole,” he said.

Dude, Jose, you’re not helping.

NASA Analyzing Junk That Could Threaten Astronauts [NY Times]