As part of our Ashes to Space™ mission, we spotlight the lives and legacies of those who orbit with us—our Ashtronauts. Each tribute is submitted by loved ones who share a story, photos, and the spirit of someone worth remembering.
Ashtronaut™ is the designation given to individuals honored through Space Beyond’s Ashes to Space memorial spaceflight service.
Today, we honor: Ashtronaut Barbara Giaquinto
From: USA
Shared by: Matty Giaquinto, Son
These stories remind us why this mission matters—not just for space exploration, but for love, remembrance, and connection.
A creative soul who always looked to the sky and beyond for the wonder in our world
My mom was a very special person
Of course, I’m gonna say that because she was my mom, but objectively, she touched every heart she encountered. In another reality, she would have been a famous artist or a world class equitarian but fate led her to have the most important job in my life – my mother.
From an early age, I was blessed to be in her orbit while she taught me the wonders of the world. Everything was exciting when I was around her, whether we were on a family vacation or just going to the grocery store…we always found some way to see wonder and joy in the world around us. And she was the BIGGEST Star Trek fan and I’m glad to say that I have picked up that banner and run with it.
A lot has changed in my life since she transitioned, but I know that she’d want me to go on living life to its fullest and I intend to do just that!
She always mentioned “how cool” it would be to have one’s ashes sent into space and now that I have the chance to honor her dream, gotta make it happen because the sky is the limit!
A Journey Beyond Earth
A portion of Barbara’s ashes will be launched to space aboard our upcoming mission, where they will orbit Earth as part of a lasting celestial tribute.
Whether stargazing from home or tracking the spacecraft through the app, Barbara’s loved ones will be able to follow the journey—knowing that their story is quite literally written in the stars.
Tribute Gallery – Ashtronaut Barbara Giaquinto
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