Greater Noida (World Desk): Mankind is now adopting a new and unique way to bid final farewell to its loved ones: burial in space. Taking a big step in this direction, SpaceX is set to launch the Transporter-14 rideshare mission on Monday on a Falcon 9 rocket, carrying DNA samples and cremated remains of people from around the world to send a special memorial mission to space.
The mission is being operated by Houston-based company Celestis, which offers this unique way of tribute in space to honor loved ones. The mission is named Perseverance Flight and will consist of more than 150 memorial capsules. Each capsule will contain DNA samples or traces of ashes.
According to Celestis, the flight will reach low Earth orbit and complete two to three orbits. After this, it will re-enter the atmosphere and the capsules will land safely in the Pacific Ocean. These will be retrieved by the recovery team and returned to the families — as a lasting and emotional tribute.
Space travel at a speed of 17,000 miles per hour
This space travel will take place at a speed of about 17,000 miles per hour and will launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch has been pushed back a day due to adverse weather conditions. Earlier it was to take place on Sunday, but now it is proposed for Monday, June 23.
The idea of giving a final farewell in space is not new. In 1992, ‘Star Trek’ creator Gene Roddenberry became the first person whose remains were sent to space. After this, the remains of Eugene Merle Shoemaker were buried on the surface of the moon. Famous psychologist and philosopher Timothy Leary also had his remains sent to space.
Targeting Sunday, June 22 for a Falcon 9 launch of the Transporter-14 mission from Space Launch Complex 4E in California. Teams are keeping an eye on weather → https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK pic.twitter.com/UUJMwtwOFS
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 21, 2025
Major methods of space burial
Several methods of burial in space are prevalent today:
– Burial in Earth’s orbit: The remains remain in Earth’s orbit for some time and then burn up in the atmosphere.
– Moon burial: The remains are sent to the Moon, creating a permanent memorial.
– Deep space launch: The remains cross the boundary of the solar system and travel to unknown depths.
– Suborbital flights: These are short flights that briefly fly to the edge of space and then return to Earth.
Celestis and TEC partnership
Celestis recently partnered with European spacecraft manufacturer The Exploration Company (TEC) to launch a new launch service called the Earth Rise Mission. “We want to give participants an unforgettable experience through this new flight and recovery service,” said Charles Schaefer, CEO of the company.
Final farewell in space: A tribute to the future
As technology advances, the idea of a final journey into space is becoming more common. It’s not just a matter of science, but also of emotion and tribute. This mission symbolizes that love and memory are no longer confined to Earth — they have reached the stars.
