The Evolution of Space Funerals and Where We’re Headed
Humans have practiced various burial methods to honor our departed loved ones for centuries. From mummification to cremation, burial practices have evolved; the latest trend is space funerals. A space funeral is a unique way of honoring the dead by launching their remains into space. In this article, we will look back at the history of space burials, how it changed traditional funeral practices, and what to expect in the future with Celestis, a space funeral company.
The History of Space Burials
The Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew of six lifted off from PAD 39B at 1:09 p.m. EDT, on a ten-day mission Photo: NASA
The first-ever space burial occurred in 1997 when the ashes of Star Trek™ creator Gene Roddenberry were launched aboard the NASA spacecraft Columbia. Since then, space burials have become increasingly popular, and several companies, including Celestis, have emerged to offer space funeral services.
In 1998, Celestis conducted its first-ever space funeral when it launched the ashes of Dr. Eugene Shoemaker, a planetary scientist, on board a NASA spacecraft. Since then, the company has conducted several space funerals, including those of Star Trek actor James Doohan and astronaut Gordon Cooper.
How Space Burials Changed Traditional Funeral Practices
Space burials have revolutionized traditional funeral practices by offering a unique way of honoring the departed. With a space funeral, families can now bid their final goodbye to their loved ones by launching their remains into space, a last resting place as vast and limitless as the universe.
In addition to offering a unique way of honoring the dead, a space funeral also allows families to preserve the memories of their loved ones in a way that traditional burial methods cannot match. With space funerals, the remains of the departed become a part of the vast cosmos, serving as a reminder of their legacy and impact on the world.
What to Expect in the Future with Celestis
As space burials continue to gain popularity, Celestis is poised to become the go-to space funeral company. The company offers several space funeral services, including Earth Rise, which launches the ashes of the departed to the edge of space, and Luna Service, which launches the remains to the moon's surface.
Celestis is also planning to launch a new service called Voyager Service, which will take the remains of the departed on a journey into deep space. With Voyager Service, families can launch the ashes of their loved ones on a spacecraft that will travel deep into the universe, exploring new worlds and galaxies.
FAQs
Q: How much does a space funeral cost?
A: The cost of a space funeral varies depending on the service chosen. Celestis offers space funeral services starting at $2,995.
Q: Can anyone have a space funeral?
A: Yes, anyone can have a space funeral, provided that their remains meet the requirements set by the space funeral company.
Q: Are space funerals environmentally friendly?
A: Yes, space funerals are environmentally friendly as they do not use any resources or space on Earth.
Conclusion
A space funeral is a unique way of honoring the departed and preserving their memory in a way that traditional burial methods cannot match. With Celestis, families can now bid their final goodbye to their loved ones by launching their remains into space. As space burials continue to gain popularity, Celestis has become the go-to space funeral company, offering several space funeral services and new services in the future. So, if you want to learn more about a space funeral and what that entails, click here.
