Space launches are always exciting, but today’s SpaceX mission was extra special. The Falcon 9 rocket carried a unique payload – the ashes of 152 people. Celestis, a company that provides memorial spaceflights, arranged for the cremated remains to be included on this mission.
The ashes were placed in small capsules inside the rocket’s second stage. “We are honored to provide this service to the families of those who have passed,” said Charles Chafer, CEO of Celestis. “It’s a fitting tribute for those who dreamed of spaceflight.”
Among the individuals whose ashes flew today was actor James Doohan, best known for playing Scotty on Star Trek.
Other notable names included Mercury 7 astronaut Gordon Cooper and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. This mission, dubbed the Heritage Flight, is the 18th memorial spaceflight organized by Celestis since 1997. The company has sent ashes to space before, but this is the largest number of individuals on a single flight.
Celestis honors dreams of spaceflight
After the Falcon 9 launched from Cape Canaveral, the second stage separated and will orbit the Earth for about a year before reentering the atmosphere. The ashes will harmlessly vaporize like a shooting star.
SpaceX did not mention the memorial payload during its live broadcast of the launch. The primary purpose of today’s mission was to deploy several communications satellites for Globalstar. However, for the families of those onboard, the satellites were secondary.
They gathered to watch the launch, knowing their loved ones’ remains were finally reaching the stars. “My dad would have been thrilled,” said Doohan’s son Chris. “He always wanted to go to space.”
While the ashes will not remain in orbit forever, the families take comfort knowing they have fulfilled the dreams of those who longed to fly among the stars.
Even if only for a brief time, their loved ones have finally made that celestial journey.
