In a remarkable turn of events, Spanish adventurer Jesús Calleja has taken the world by storm with his recent journey beyond the Kármán Line, the boundary that separates Earth from space. Calleja, who made history as the third Spaniard to surpass this line, embarked on a mission aboard Blue Origin's NS-30 rocket on February 25, 2025. The launch was broadcast live on Telecinco, capturing the attention of millions and marking a significant milestone in both his career and Spanish space exploration.
On March 26, 2025, Calleja premiered his new show, Universo Calleja, which promises to blend adventure with celebrity appearances. The show features high-profile guests such as Sandra Barneda, Antonio Orozco, and Carlos Latre, who will accompany Calleja on various adventures, including a trip to Nepal and explorations in Egypt. Calleja expressed his excitement about the new format, stating, "This is a new chapter for me, and I can't wait for viewers to join us on these incredible journeys." The premiere took place at an altitude of over 3,000 meters in the Manaslu region of Nepal, a location that holds deep personal significance for Calleja.
During the show, Calleja reunited with his friend Simone Moro, a renowned rescue pilot in the Himalayas. Their emotional reunion was marked by a helicopter flight that took them to an altitude of 4,500 meters, where they admired the breathtaking views of Manaslu. Calleja reflected on the importance of this moment, saying, "Flying with my friend and seeing this eight-thousand-meter peak is a dream come true. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything." The camaraderie between Calleja and Moro was palpable, as they shared stories and reflected on their past adventures.
However, not all of Calleja's recent experiences have been met with admiration. Following his space journey, he found himself at the center of controversy, particularly from a group of flat-Earthers who questioned the legitimacy of his mission. On the set of Nacho Abad's show, Calleja addressed these claims directly, responding to a terraplanist journalist who had criticized his achievements. Calleja asserted, "I have been on television for 20 years, while you have been expelled from your job six times this year. Respect and education must come first, or you lose credibility." His words were a fierce defense of both his work and the scientific understanding of our planet.
Calleja's passionate rebuttal included a detailed explanation of how his spacecraft descended safely back to Earth, stating, "The spacecraft descends at 26 kilometers per hour with parachutes and retro-rockets. It’s less violent than hitting a bump in a car." He challenged the journalist to travel to the poles to witness the Earth's curvature firsthand, emphasizing that there is no credible scientific evidence supporting the flat Earth theory.
As the conversation unfolded, Calleja made it clear that he sees his role as not just an entertainer but also as an educator. He expressed his frustration with those who spread misinformation, saying, "The language used by flat-Earthers is simply a reflection of their inability to understand complex scientific concepts. They will never provide proof because no scientist in the world supports the flat Earth theory." Calleja's commitment to factual accuracy and education has resonated with many, as he continues to inspire audiences with his adventures.
In addition to addressing the flat Earth controversy, Calleja's new show aims to explore the beauty and diversity of our planet. The premiere featured breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences, showcasing the wonders of Nepal, where Calleja has spent considerable time. He noted, "This region changed my life, and I want to share its magic with everyone." The series promises to highlight not only the thrill of adventure but also the importance of cultural understanding and respect for the environment.
As Calleja embarks on this new journey with Universo Calleja, he remains a figure of resilience and inspiration. His experiences in space and on Earth continue to captivate audiences, proving that adventure comes in many forms. With plans for future episodes that will take viewers to even more incredible destinations, Calleja's story is far from over.
In the wake of his achievements, Calleja is not just an adventurer; he is a voice for scientific literacy and critical thinking. His message is clear: exploring the unknown can lead to remarkable discoveries, but it is essential to ground those adventures in facts and knowledge. As he continues to challenge misconceptions and inspire others to look beyond the horizon, Jesús Calleja stands as a testament to the spirit of exploration and the power of education.
