Celestis has been sending cremated remains into space since 1997, with the first launch taking place after Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s passing. The company now offers various services, including launching small samples of remains or DNA into orbit, the moon, or deep space.
Prices for their Earthrise service range from $3,495 to $11,085 and include memorial services, satellite tracking, and attendance at launches. Celestis recently experienced a launch failure during the Perseverance mission, where the parachute failed to deploy and the remains crashed into the ocean.
Despite the setback, the company expressed hope that families would find peace in knowing their loved ones were part of a historic journey. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved with space travel and the importance of thorough testing before launch.
Source: https://boingboing.net/2025/06/30/space-burial-company-loses-166-human-remains-in-failed-mission.html