A sixth-form student from Torrejón de Ardoz in Madrid has been selected to take part in a prestigious national space initiative. Alejandro Mena, who is in his second year of Bachillerato, is among 30 students chosen for the ‘Astronaut for a Day’ programme organised by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

The group includes 25 sixth-form students and five university students from across Spain. The initiative aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and space exploration, working alongside leading institutions such as the European Space Agency and Spain’s Air and Space Force.

Speaking on Tuesday, Alejandro said he had dreamed of becoming an astronaut since childhood. He recalled dressing up as an astronaut for his first Carnival and said he feels he was “born for it”.

Confident about his ambitions, he said his ultimate goal is Mars, adding that he wants to become the first person to set foot on the planet where it never rains.