When it comes to post-cremation memorial options, we at Georgia Cremation like to say the sky is the limit. But that’s not exactly true. With space memorials, some families are sending their loved ones’ cremains beyond Earth’s atmosphere and completely out of this world!
If your loved one was an avid star-gazer, an astronomy whiz or a space travel enthusiast, you might consider honoring them with this truly stellar post-cremation tribute.
To the moon!
An innovative company called Celestis, Inc. offers an array of space memorial options. Families may choose to launch a symbolic portion of their loved one’s cremated remains into Earth orbit, onto the lunar surface or even into deep space. The company also offers missions into space before returning the cremated remains to Earth. With this option, your loved one will venture into space as part of a real space mission, riding alongside a commercial or scientific satellite.
Celestis, Inc. is an affiliate company of Space Services, Inc., a Houston, Texas-based aerospace company and a leader in public participation spaceflight. With more than 30 years of experience in private sector space missions, Celestis conducted the first ever private launch into outer space in 1982. The company is also responsible for the first private, post-cremation memorial spaceflight in 1997. This famous launch included the cremains of 1960s icon Timothy Leary and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. The company also claims the first lunar burial in 1999.
These extraordinary memorial spaceflights are made possible through agreements with leading providers of commercial space launch services.
Ten seconds to liftoff
According to the Celestis website, their space memorial process is incredibly simple and completed with “the utmost respect and care.” Here’s how it works: one of the company’s knowledgeable professionals carefully places a portion of the loved one’s cremated remains inside a permanently sealed, individual flight container. They then load the container into the spacecraft.
Before the launch, friends and family may choose to share memories of their loved one at a pre-launch memorial service. The Celestis staff will help the family create a keepsake DVD tribute to show during this memorial service.
On launch day, families of the loved ones onboard the spacecraft gather at the liftoff site to witness the launch. After the launch, Celestis provides a professionally produced DVD of the entire event to the participant’s family.
By now, you might be wondering how much such a star-studded final farewell will cost you. Believe it or not, the cost is not as astronomical as you might think. Depending on the service you choose, Celestis charges anywhere from $1,000 to $13,000. The company also offers a 10% discount for veterans.
Want to learn more about space memorials? Or would you prefer to discover some more down to earth post-cremation options? Contact Georgia Cremation today!
