With a confirmed launch to orbit, Space Beyond™ explains how sending ashes to space works and what this first mission means for families.
For many families, cremated remains are lovingly kept on shelves, mantels, or in closets; held onto with care, but often without a clear sense of what comes next. In recent years, more people have begun asking a new question:
Can you send ashes to space?
The answer is yes. An now, for the first time, there is an affordable way to make it happen.
With the recent signing of our first Launch Services Agreement, Space Beyond has officially secured a ride to orbit. Our inaugural mission will launch aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-22 rideshare mission in October 2027.
This milestone matters, to us and to every family who has been considering sending ashes to space.
Here’s how it works, what this agreement means, and why this moment marks a turning point for space memorials.
What Does It Mean to Send Ashes to Space?
Sending ashes to space means launching a small, symbolic portion of cremated remains aboard a spacecraft that travels into Earth orbit.
It’s important to be clear about what this is and what it is not.
This is not a burial.
It is not final arrangements.
It does not involve scattering ashes into space.
Instead, a carefully prepared symbolic amount of ashes is securely sealed inside a spacecraft that orbits Earth peacefully for years.
Space represents exploration, continuity, perspective, and being part of something larger than ourselves. Sending ashes to space transforms something static into something moving, purposeful, and enduring.
How Ashes to Space Works
Space Beyond designed Ashes to Space to be simple, transparent, and accessible.
The process includes:
Reservation & Preparation
Families reserve a space memorial and receive a preparation kit with clear, step-by-step instructions.
Integration
A small, symbolic portion of ashes is sealed into a spacecraft designed specifically for orbital flight.
Launch on a SpaceX Rideshare Mission
The spacecraft launches aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission alongside many other satellites.
Earth Orbit
Once deployed, the spacecraft enters Earth orbit, where it remains for up to five years.
Throughout the mission, families receive updates and can track the spacecraft’s journey through the sky.
Securing a Ride to Orbit: Why the Launch Services Agreement Matters
In January 2026, Space Beyond announced our Launch Services Agreement with Arrow Science and Technology, securing our first Ashes to Space mission spacecraft on SpaceX’s Transporter-22 mission, scheduled for October 2027.
This agreement represents a critical milestone.
With this agreement, we now have:
- A confirmed launch integrator: Arrow Science & Technology
- A scheduled mission: SpaceX Falcon 9 – Transporter-22
- A defined orbit – Sun-Synchronous
- A clear timeline to space – Targeting October 2027
In other words, sending ashes to space is not just an idea or aspiration. It is a scheduled mission with a secured ride to orbit on the world’s most reliable rocket.
For families considering whether this is “real,” this agreement provides the reassurance they’ve been waiting for.
What Is a SpaceX Transporter Mission?
SpaceX Transporter missions are dedicated rideshare launches designed to carry dozens of small spacecraft into orbit on a single Falcon 9 rocket.
Rather than each satellite needing its own launch, rideshare missions allow multiple payloads to share the ride, dramatically reducing cost and increasing access to space.
This model is a significant part of what makes sending ashes into space affordable.
Transporter-22 will launch from either Vandenberg Space Force Base in California or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, depending on final mission configuration. We will share details as they are finalized.
What Is a Sun-Synchronous Orbit?
For our first Ashes to Space mission, the spacecraft will deploy into a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at approximately 550 kilometers above Earth.
While the name sounds technical, the idea is surprisingly intuitive.
SSOs are cleverly designed near-polar paths that circle Earth multiple times a day, tuned to slowly shift at the same rate Earth orbits the sun (about 1 degree per day). This allows the satellite to fly over the entire globe and keeps it passing over any given spot at a consistent local solar time. For our space memorials, it means a predictable rhythm in the cosmos, symbolizing enduring presence without the chaos of shifting schedules.
Can you look up at the same time each day to feel your loved one’s connection?
Of course! The satellite won’t pass overhead every day due to the orbit’s westward shift driven by Earth’s rotation. Revisit times for a specific location—like your home—typically range from 5 to 16 days. When it does align, yes, it’ll be at that reliable local time, making those moments feel intentional and comforting. Our provided orbital tracking information will help you pinpoint these passes in advance.
Keep in mind, at 550 km altitude, our small satellite isn’t visible to the naked eye, so its not quite a stargazing event. Instead, think of your loved one’s essence tracing a harmonious path around our planet, visible in spirit whenever you gaze skyward.
For families, what matters most is that this orbit’s stability offers peace of mind, knowing the memorial endures for years to come, eventually re-entering the atmosphere as a shooting star.
Want to dive deeper into the technical details? Here’s a YouTube tutorial.
How Long Do Ashes Stay in Space?
Our first Ashes to Space mission is designed for an orbital lifetime of up to five years.
During that time, the spacecraft will circle Earth tens of thousands of times. When the mission ends, it will naturally and safely deorbit, vaporizing in Earth’s atmosphere—leaving no debris behind in space.
This approach reflects our commitment to responsible and sustainable space operations.
How Much Does It Cost to Send Ashes to Space?
Historically, sending ashes into space cost thousands of dollars, putting it out of reach for most families.
Space Beyond exists to change that.
Our Ashes to Space service starts at $249, making it the most affordable way to send a symbolic portion of ashes into orbit.
This price includes:
- Preparation materials
- Secure integration into the spacecraft
- Launch aboard a SpaceX mission
- Orbital tracking information
- Mission updates
- Recognition as an Ashtronaut™ and opportunity to create an Ashtronaut Tribute
Our goal is simple: make space accessible, not exclusive.
Is This a Space Funeral or Space Burial?
Many people search for terms like space funeral or space burial, but those phrases don’t fully capture what this service is.
Space Beyond does not conduct funerals, burials, or scattering of remains.
We provide a space memorial, a symbolic tribute that complements, rather than replaces, traditional memorial and scattering practices.
Families are free to honor their loved ones in whatever ways feel right to them.
Ashes to Space is about continuation, not finality.
Why This Mission Matters
This mission represents more than a contract or a spacecraft.
It represents:
- Trust from our earliest clients
- A secured path to orbit
- A new way of thinking about remembrance
It also marks the moment when Ashes to Space becomes something tangible, scheduled, and real.
From shelves to orbit.
From memory to motion.
From Earth to the stars.
Join the Journey
We’re going to space! We’ve got a mission, a destination, and a clear path to get there.
To mark this milestone, Space Beyond is inviting the public to help name our first spacecraft.
Visit our Name The First Space Beyond Spacecraft webpage to participate.
If you’ve ever wondered about sending ashes to space — or simply believe space should be more accessible — you’re invited to be part of this journey.
Because space should be for everyone.
Ready for this epic adventure?
Favilla Caelestis; latin for “Heavenly Embers”.