Outlook Business Desk
SpaceX launched its Transporter-14 mission from California on June 23, carrying memorial capsules into space. The flight marks another step in the growing trend of sending ashes and DNA beyond Earth.
Among the many payloads, the Perseverance Flight by Houston-based Celestis carried over 150 capsules with cremated human remains and DNA samples from clients across the globe, honoring lives through space memorials.
The Perseverance Flight offers a one of a kind tribute. After reaching low Earth orbit, the capsule will orbit Earth two to three times before reentering the atmosphere for a symbolic farewell.
The memorial capsules, secured inside the Mission Possible reentry vehicle, will splash down in the Pacific Ocean. Recovery teams will collect and return them to families as lasting spaceflight keepsakes.
This marks Celestis’ 12th “Earth Rise” flight and 25th overall space mission, highlighting the company’s expanding presence and experience in the growing memorial spaceflight industry.
Three-year-old Matteo Barth makes history as the youngest German—and youngest European ever—to send his DNA into space, symbolically joining his late grandfather, Dieter Barth, in orbit.
With this mission, SpaceX and Celestis are pushing the boundaries of memorials—merging advanced space technology with heartfelt human stories to create deeply meaningful tributes beyond Earth.