For someone who always loved space, longed to journey among the stars, or simply found peace and tranquility in the evening sky, orbiting Earth aboard a Celestis spacecraft is a truly befitting way to celebrate and remember a life.
Families from around the world traveled to Florida and viewed the launch, which occurred from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, to witness the ultimate mission of purpose – the Celestis Heritage Flight.
Earth Orbit Service #7
Celestis Memorial Spaceflight: #16
Mission Name: Heritage Flight
Mission Status: Launched successfully
Launch Location: Kennedy Space Center, FL
Launch Date: 2:30 am EDT, June 25, 2019
Launch Experience: Kennedy Space Center
Celestis memorial space launches bring together people from all over the world for a compelling memorial service. The chance to share stories about a loved one on board, to make new friends, and to witness – often for the first time – the power and grandeur of a launch into space is an experience you will cherish for years.
These special memories and lifelong connections offer a great comfort for many during a time of loss.
Memorial Service
Attend the Heritage Flight memorial service, an event that brings together people from all over the world who share thoughts and remembrances of the loved ones on board.
Kennedy Space Center Tour
Tour the Kennedy Space Center, site of the Heritage Flight launch from historic launch pad LC-39A.
The Heritage Flight is hosted aboard the Orbital Test Bed (OTB) satellite. OTB will orbit the Earth for up to 25 years and may be tracked on this website, joining two other Celestis spacecraft currently orbiting the planet.
A Surrey engineer integrates Heritage Flight participant capsules and modules to the vessel that will carry them on the OTB. Image credit:
General Atomics
Closeup of Celestis capsules and modules in the device integrated into the OTB. Image credit:
Surrey Satellite Technology US
Engineer working on OTB spacecraft. Image credit:
Jonathan Castner
Engineer working on OTB spacecraft. Image credit:
Jonathan Castner
Becky Yoder, Surrey Satellite Technology CFO Image credit:
Jonathan Castner
OTB MOI Testing Image credit:
Surrey Satellite Technology US LLC
General Atomics Images
A Surrey engineer integrates Heritage Flight participant capsules and modules to the vessel that will carry them on the OTB.
Closeup of Celestis capsules and modules in the device integrated into the OTB.
"I cannot express how thrilled my family is about the launch. It is truly a wonderful day. We watched from our homes but we celebrated with the entire Celestis and New Frontier family. Thank you, a million times over, for this opportunity. This was the only idea about which Dad showed any enthusiasm as we talked with him about his memorial service - and oh, the enthusiasm he had for this."
Katherine Stewart
Daughter of Edward Stewart
New Frontier FlightMemorial Service
, May 21, 2015
"I just received the DVD of the New Frontier Flight. It was beautiful and brought me to tears! Not only was the first part of the launch at night beautiful but the dedication to all the 'astronauts' that took their final voyage was inspiring! So many wonderful sendoffs for so many different people from all walks of life. I felt like I was actually there with everyone. Just beautiful!"
Patrick Dirlam
father of Jeffrey Dirlam
New Frontier Flight226
, June 02, 2015
"Thank you so much for helping us fulfill my husband Michael's dream of spaceflight! I couldn't think of a more fitting send-off!"
Michele Bonner
Conestoga FlightLaunch Event
, October 22, 2014
""
Heritage Flight Mission Logo
Every Celestis mission has its own logo and mission patch, following the tradition of creating a unique identity for each launch dating to the earliest days of the American space program.
The Heritage Flight logo – with 16 stars recognizing the 16 Celestis missions - commemorates the lives of those on board the flight and pays tribute to all the men and women in Colorado, California, Texas and Florida who have worked so hard to bring about this historic, Earth orbit mission. A special marker honors Houston – home of Celestis, Inc.
The Heritage Flight logo is from well-known designer and illustrator Eric Gignac. Eric’s portfolio also includes co-design of NASA Space Shuttle mission patches for the STS 128 and 133 missions.
Track Your Loved One In Space
Celestis provides an easy-to-use tracking tool that lets family and friends track the mission's progress as the Celestis satellite orbits the Earth or makes its way into deep space.
Create and plan additional remembrances and celebrations as the spacecraft orbits overhead or reaches key locations.