Jesús Calleja, the well-known Spanish television adventurer, is set to make history on February 25, 2025, by becoming Spain's first space tourist aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket. This much-anticipated flight will take off from Blue Origin's Launch Site One, located in Texas, and is seen as the culmination of Calleja's dream of space travel, one he has held since childhood.
From as far back as he can recall, Calleja has aspired to be among the stars. "Since I can recall, I've always wanted to be an astronaut, and this flight is more than just a dream come true," he expressed during his last media engagement. His enthusiasm radiates as he prepares for the transformative experience, which aims to push the boundaries of space tourism.
The New Shepard rocket, which stands at 18 meters tall, will carry Calleja and five other passengers approximately 350,000 feet above Earth's surface, crossing what is internationally recognized as Kármán line, the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space.
The upcoming flight will not be lengthy; it will last roughly 11 minutes. Of this time, passengers will get to enjoy about three minutes of weightlessness. Calleja, who is no stranger to adventurous experiences, shared, "This is crazy; I feel like jelly," indicating both his excitement and nerves as launch day approaches.
Fans of the adventurer can indulge their curiosity as the entire event will be broadcast live on Telecinco, starting at 15:40 Spanish time. Prominent figures, including Carlos Franganillo and María Casado, will host the coverage, providing viewers with insights as they witness Calleja's momentous ascension to space.
Jesús Calleja is not just stepping out of the Earth's atmosphere; he is entering the ranks of esteemed individuals who have ventured beyond. Previously, only two Spaniards, astronauts Miguel López-Alegría and Pedro Duque, have experienced the cosmic vista. Both have encouraged Calleja, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation for the flight. Calleja notes the significance of this occasion, saying it marks the start of the future of space tourism for Spain.
The mission marks the 30th flight of Blue Origin, which aims to democratize access to space. Over 47 individuals have flown with the New Shepard program, and Calleja's participation is expected to grab the attention of many who have long admired his adventurous spirit. His stories, adventures, and aspiring astronaut ambitions are immortalized through the four-part docuseries 'Calleja en el Espacio', available on Amazon Prime Video, which chronicles his preparations for this bold expedition.
Preparation for this significant flight has required Calleja to engage in rigorous training, including acclimatization to the physical challenges posed by launching and re-entry. He shared candid insights on his experiences leading up to the launch: "Tomorrow, at this hour, I will be weightless"—a reflection of the anticipation building as he gears up for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Calleja will experience significant G-forces during the launch, which can amplify his weight to around 350 kilograms momentarily due to acceleration, adding excitement to the mission. Technical details reveal the booster will autonomously return back to Earth, landing safely on the ground, whilst the crew capsule will descend and deploy parachutes for their dramatic return.
The successful mission promises not only to fulfill Calleja's childhood aspiration but also to inspire countless others to dream about possibilities beyond Earth. Like many, Calleja sees this as the beginning of human exploration beyond our planet, remarking on the thrill accompanying such groundbreaking voyages. This mission will surely pave the way for future endeavors, cementing Calleja's role as one of the frontiers of space exploration.
With hopes high and hearts racing, Calleja's imminent voyage is set to redefine space tourism and showcase Spain's bold participation within this captivating new frontier. His flight is already creating ripples of excitement, as audiences eagerly await the moments of joy, awe, and wonder sure to arise as they watch Calleja ascend to the cosmos.