On February 25, 2025, Jesús Calleja made history as he ventured to space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, becoming the third Spanish national to escape Earth's atmosphere. The launch, which was closely followed by fans and viewers on Telecinco, marked the fulfillment of Calleja's lifelong dream of exploring the cosmos.
Launching from Blue Origin's Launch Site One in West Texas, the New Shepard rocket took off at 16:30 local time. Despite minor delays due to final safety checks, fans were eager to witness Calleja's impressive flight. This mission was particularly notable because it not only featured Calleja but also included other civilian astronauts, which is indicative of the growing trend toward private space travel.
Before the launch, Calleja expressed his excitement through social media, stating simply, "¡Va a ser histórico!" (It’s going to be historic!). His enthusiasm captured the hearts of many, including fellow adventurers and celebrities who sent their encouragement.
One notable figure who commented on Calleja's adventure was Mercedes Milá, who shared her happiness for her friend. "Estoy tan feliz, feliz por él. Hay que agradecerle..." (I am so happy for him. We must thank...), she said, giving insight how significant this moment was not just for Calleja, but also for Spain as the nation watched its own citizen take part in this monumental event.
Pedro Duque, the former Spanish astronaut and Minister of Science, also offered advice to Calleja before the launch. "Lo mejor es repasar el viaje. Hay que saber prevenir lo que puede pasar" (It’s best to review the trip. You must know how to prevent what can happen), emphasizing the importance of safety during such unprecedented experiences.
The New Shepard rocket is known for its reusable design and ability to autonomously return to the earth safely. During its flight, Calleja and the other passengers experienced several minutes of weightlessness as they ascended beyond the internationally recognized boundary of space, the Kármán line, located at 100 kilometers above sea level.
After approximately 12 minutes of flight, the capsule began its descent back to Earth. Following the deployment of three main parachutes, the capsule landed safely, with Calleja and his fellow passengers eager to share their experiences after returning to terra firma. The missions are part of Blue Origin's push to normalize space travel for civilians, something Calleja has always dreamed of achieving.
Upon landing, the sentiments among the crew were jubilant, marking not just personal achievement but also contributing to the wider narrative of globalization within the field of space exploration. Calleja, already hailed as a national treasure for his adventurous spirit, now holds the distinction of being the first non-professional astronaut to reach space for Spain.