Jesús Calleja, the renowned Spanish adventurer and TV presenter, is poised to become the third Spaniard to travel to space today. At 59, Calleja will make this monumental leap aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard, making him the first individual to fly as a non-professional astronaut.
The excitement surrounding his flight is palpable, as it marks not only personal achievement for Calleja but also serves as the centerpiece of Mediaset's inaugural live broadcast of space. The mission will begin at 15:45 hours from the company’s launch site in Texas, and viewers across Spain will be able to watch the event live.
"I am bursting with excitement! I’m about to fulfill my dream of becoming an astronaut, something I’ve wanted since I was little," Calleja expressed prior to the launch. His flight experience, which will last roughly 11 minutes, will see him cross the Kármán line, recognized as the boundary of outer space set at about 100 kilometers above the Earth.
His exhilarating adventure transcends physical boundaries, as he becomes the first presenter to conduct television broadcasting from space. Calleja highlighted the unique aspects of his mission, insisting this will not be "a normal experience." This flight is particularly noteworthy as Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket will allow him to experience weightlessness, albeit for merely several minutes. During this period, experts have noted Calleja will grapple with sensations akin to free fall, often equated to the disorientation experienced at amusement parks.
Joining Calleja on this remarkable expedition will be Lane Bess, Elaine Chia Hyde, Dr. Richard Scott, and Tushar Shah, each contributing their unique skills—from entrepreneurial ventures to scientific expertise. Together, they will step beyond the confines of Earth.
Preparations for the flight have been extensive. Calleja underwent rigorous training which involved everything from learning technical vocabulary to practicing flight phases. Preparations were both theoretical and hands-on, as he acclimatized to factors like safety procedures, and weightlessness, and honed his communication skills with the control center.
Calleja credits former Spanish astronaut Pedro Duque for calming his nerves, mentioning, "I have been well-trained to manage fear, but anxiety is another story. I want to keep my heart rate steady when they measure my vitals!" Duque’s counsel has been instrumental, providing routine reminders to be aware of all potential flight phenomena.
Upon launch, the rocket will accelerate upwards at speeds reaching 3,700 km/h and challenge the passengers with up to 5.5 Gs of pressure as they ascend toward their celestial goal. The accompanying capsule will detach from the booster, allowing Calleja and his crew to experience weightlessness and the breathtaking view of Earth from space.
The media hype around Calleja's flight is significant, not just because of its historical value but also owing to the broader discussion it ignites about the future of space tourism. With the launch anticipated to be accessible to all interested viewers, the public engagement promises to spark conversations surrounding scientific knowledge and exploration.
Calleja aims to combat misinformation about space and its exploration, especially against the backdrop of increasing conspiracy theories like flat-Earth beliefs. "Watching Earth's curvature from space will provide the most tangible evidence of our planet's roundness. There is no substitute for experiencing this firsthand and recounting it to the public," he emphasized.
Today’s transmission will include expert commentary from well-known figures like Pedro Duque, who stated, "Jesús Calleja is inspiring; he embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration.":
To facilitate the broadcast, Mediaset is rolling out special programming, reinforcing the importance of the event. Telecinco's live coverage is anticipated to mirror the heart-pounding thrill of each stage of the flight—from ignition to descent and landing.
The New Shepard rocket, engineered for suborbital flight with innovative features, reflects Blue Origin's commitment to provide safe and reusable space travel. After reaching the designated height, the capsule will parachute down gently, promising safe landing for all onboard.
The eyes of Spain will be on Calleja as he embarks on this extraordinary adventure. It signifies not just personal aspiration but collective achievement for the Spanish people as they witness their compatriot touch the stars. "I’ll share my experience upon return, bringing back stories of weightlessness and Earth's beauty up close," Calleja shared, underscoring the human experience behind this technological leap.
This marks another milestone for the burgeoning field of space tourism—a step forward not just for Calleja, but for those nurturing dreams of traversing beyond Earth, fueling hopes for future generations eager to look up at the stars.
Through his adventurous pursuits, Calleja continues to inspire, pushing the boundaries of human capability toward infinity. Today, he realizes the dream of countless sightseers, adventurers, and aspiring astronauts who have gazed at the stars and wondered what lies beyond.