Jesús Calleja, the renowned Spanish adventurer and television presenter, is set to make history as he prepares to board Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket for his flight to space on February 25, 2025. This extraordinary mission not only qualifies Calleja as the first Spanish space tourist but also marks another significant step forward for space tourism, which has become more accessible to civilians.
Traveling beyond the Kármán line, considered the edge of space, Calleja's adventure will last approximately 10 to 12 minutes, allowing passengers to experience roughly three minutes of weightlessness and witness the breathtaking curvature of the Earth. Accompanying him on this adventure are five other passengers from diverse backgrounds, signaling the inclusive nature of this growing sector.
Among the crew are Lane Bess, entrepreneur and founder of Bess Ventures, who previously traveled on Blue Origin’s NS-19 mission, making him one of the early space tourists. Also on board is Elaine Chia Hyde, a well-known physicist and entrepreneur operating within the tech industry, alongside Dr. Richard Scott, a leading endocrinologist and founder of one of the world's top fertility clinics, IVIRMA Global. Tushar Shah, with expertise in experimental particle physics and finance, completes this eclectic group tasked with experiencing this unique voyage.
Driven by his childhood dream, Calleja recalls how his fascination with the cosmos began early on, staging imaginary rocket launches from his mother's beauty salon, where he also accidentally took on the role of the hairstylist! Despite the concerns of his mother, María Jesús, who expressed her unease about her son going to space, Calleja remains passionate about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "Traveling to space was my childhood dream,” says Calleja, reflecting the immense significance this mission holds for him.
The flight not only highlights personal ambition but also brings forth discussions about the burgeoning industry of space tourism—a sector epitomized by companies like Blue Origin, spearheaded by Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos. Calleja's participation might inspire countless others, proving space travel is possible for individuals outside traditional astronaut training programs.
Going through extensive training and gearing up for the unexpected challenges of space travel, Calleja has connected with future astronaut Pablo Álvarez at the European Space Agency’s training center. "You have to be aware of the risks you assume," Álvarez informed him. Their conversations ventured deep, touching upon the emotional aspects of embarking on such grand adventures. Calleja voiced similar sentiments when discussing his family's reactions, especially his mother's worries about the risks involved.
Hello, world! Are we ready for this incredible leap for civilian access to space? Calleja's mission reflects not only advancement within the world of space travel but also the endless exploration opportunities available to those ready to take the plunge!
With Blue Origin paving the way, future travelers could soon experience the freedom of weightlessness and the awe of viewing Earth from above. Calleja’s trip symbolizes the gateway to new adventures and experiences previously confined to trained astronauts. The eyes of the world will inevitably be watching as he sets off on his inspiring quest.
Before his departure, Calleja continues to document his training and preparations through his series ‘Calleja en el Espacio,’ where he shares his excitement and the rigorous preparation before the big day. Addressing not only the thrill but also the practicalities and preparations of space travel, this series aims to bring along viewers on his exciting odyssey to the stars.
Much more than just another tourist trip, Calleja’s venture can ignite dreams among many who have long thought space travel was beyond reach. Not only will they witness history as Calleja embarks on his remarkable adventure, but they will also get to reflect on what it means to reach for the stars. 2025 will mark not only Calleja’s first flight but also the beginning of countless new journeys for aspiring space travelers.
With so much anticipation building, February 25, 2025, can’t come soon enough. Jesús Calleja isn't just about to fulfill his lifelong ambition—he's positioned to change the way we view adventures and exploration beyond our planet.