Civitatis Founder Alberto Gutiérrez Reaches Space, Cementing Spain’s Legacy in Aerospace – The New Frontier for Tourists?

Alberto Gutiérrez, founder of Civitatis, has become the fourth Spaniard to travel to space, adding his name to the ranks of celebrated Spanish astronauts such as Miguel López-Alegría, Pedro Duque, and adventurer Jesús Calleja. His landmark journey aboard Blue Origin’s NS-38 mission signals not just a personal achievement but also a potential new chapter in the growing intersection of tourism and space exploration.

What Happened?
On January 22, 2026, Gutiérrez participated in Blue Origin’s NS-38 mission, a suborbital flight that lifted off from the company’s Launch Site One in West Texas, USA. The mission’s crew, including Gutiérrez and five others, surpassed the Kármán line—the internationally recognized boundary marking the beginning of space—at an altitude of 100 kilometers. The space journey saw the crew experiencing several minutes of weightlessness and witnessing Earth’s curvature through some of the largest windows ever designed for space travel.

After the capsule’s parachute-controlled descent, the crew returned safely to Earth, marking Gutiérrez’s entrance into the annals of history alongside fellow Spaniards who have traveled into space. The flight represented a major leap for the entrepreneur and space exploration enthusiasts alike, as space tourism continues to grow.

Who Is Alberto Gutiérrez?
Alberto Gutiérrez, born in Valladolid, Spain, is a renowned entrepreneur and the founder of Civitatis, a platform that has revolutionized the global tourism industry by offering curated tours and excursions. Since its launch in 2008, Civitatis has expanded rapidly, offering more than 5 million verified traveler reviews on various activities around the world.

Gutiérrez’s involvement in the company has always been driven by a passion for discovery and exploration. Over the years, he has steered Civitatis into becoming a leader in online travel, with a focus on providing immersive and authentic travel experiences for millions of users worldwide. This commitment to exploration is not limited to Earth but has now extended into space, underscoring his personal and professional ethos of pushing boundaries.

When Did Gutiérrez Travel to Space?
The NS-38 mission launched on January 22, 2026. During this suborbital flight, Gutiérrez experienced the awe-inspiring phenomena of space travel, including weightlessness, a vertical rocket launch, and an incredible view of the Earth from space. He and the other crew members reached an altitude of 100 kilometers and spent a few minutes in zero gravity before safely returning to the desert after a parachute descent.

The significance of this mission is not just in its success but also in the timing—Gutiérrez’s journey comes at a time when space tourism is in its nascent stages, with more private companies entering the field and a rising interest in commercial space travel.

Where Did the Mission Take Place?
The mission took off from Launch Site One, a facility located in West Texas, USA. The site is one of Blue Origin’s key launch facilities, serving as the launchpad for the company’s suborbital missions. After reaching the Kármán line, the capsule returned to Earth and safely landed in the Texas desert, marking the successful completion of the NS-38 mission.

Why Does This Matter for Civitatis and the Tourism Industry?
Alberto Gutiérrez’s journey to space is more than a personal achievement; it represents a turning point for the tourism industry, particularly in the realm of space tourism. Civitatis, already a dominant player in offering global tours and excursions, has expanded its offerings to include experiences for space enthusiasts on Earth. As the founder of the company, Gutiérrez’s venture into space signals the company’s growing interest in this frontier. Civitatis offers a selection of curated activities that are now even more relevant in the context of space exploration. These include visits to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and the Teide Observatory in Tenerife—locations that serve as portals for space aficionados eager to learn more about the cosmos.

For Civitatis, Gutiérrez’s achievement emphasizes the company’s commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences. As space tourism continues to develop, Gutiérrez’s journey reinforces the company’s dedication to helping travelers explore the world—and beyond.

How Has the Event Impacted Spain and the Global Aerospace Landscape?
Spain’s contribution to the global aerospace landscape has been significant, with several Spaniards, including astronauts Pedro Duque and Miguel López-Alegría, making history in space. Gutiérrez’s inclusion in this group further highlights Spain’s growing influence in the aerospace sector. His journey also represents a new era for space tourism, where private companies, such as Blue Origin, are offering suborbital flights to civilians, pushing the boundaries of traditional space exploration and opening new possibilities for adventure and discovery.

Additionally, Gutiérrez’s achievement could inspire a new generation of Spanish entrepreneurs and adventurers to look beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, viewing space not as an unreachable frontier but as a new destination for exploration. This is part of a larger trend in which space is becoming more accessible, with multiple commercial spaceflight companies launching missions that cater to civilian space tourists.

The Future of Space Tourism and Civitatis’ Role
Looking forward, Gutiérrez’s spaceflight is expected to fuel interest in space tourism, especially as private companies continue to lower the barriers to space access. His experience serves as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs and explorers in Spain and beyond, as they seek new horizons both on Earth and in space. Civitatis, as a leader in the tourism sector, may play a crucial role in shaping the future of space tourism. As the world becomes increasingly fascinated with space, Civitatis’ efforts to incorporate space-related experiences into its portfolio will likely make it a key player in this emerging field.

The space journey has validated Civitatis’ purpose: to provide extraordinary experiences that transcend borders. As Gutiérrez returns to Earth with a new perspective on exploration, the company’s mission continues to evolve, blending travel and discovery in new, exciting ways.

Conclusion
Alberto Gutiérrez’s historic spaceflight aboard Blue Origin’s NS-38 mission is a milestone for both Spain and the burgeoning field of space tourism. His journey is a testament to the limitless possibilities for exploration, not only on Earth but in the far reaches of space. As the tourism landscape evolves, Civitatis stands ready to offer unique experiences that bridge the gap between earthly adventures and those that await beyond the stars.

This article is a prime example of how space exploration and tourism can converge, reflecting Gutiérrez’s unyielding passion for discovery and his company’s global impact. With the growing interest in space tourism, Civitatis could soon expand its offerings to include actual space travel, further enhancing its position as a leader in the travel experience industry.

The post Civitatis Founder Alberto Gutiérrez Reaches Space, Cementing Spain’s Legacy in Aerospace – The New Frontier for Tourists? appeared first on Travel and Tour World