What is a space burial?

Who can be buried in space and how much does it cost to send ashes into space? Let's learn more about this unusual alternative funeral option.

What is a space burial?

Space burial consists of launching a sample of a person's cremated remains into space. These "memorial spaceflights" are offered by companies such as Celestis, Elysium Space and Space NTK.


Sometimes, the memorial spaceflight will go into orbit around the Earth. On re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, the spacecraft burns up and the remains fall to Earth, where they can be recovered.


Alternatively, the spacecraft crosses the Kármán line (the boundary of space) but doesn't enter Earth's orbit. The spacecraft stays intact and the remains can be recovered.



Other services release the ashes into space. These will eventually fall to Earth, potentially turning into rain or snow along the way.

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How much does it cost to send ashes into space?

The cost of launching ashes into space varies from company to company. It also depends on whether the ashes are returned to Earth, launched into Earth orbit, headed for the Moon or launched into deep space.


Celestis, which is a pioneer in this field, offers "Earth Rise" (launching to space and returning to Earth) from $3,495 (£2,536). At the upper end, launching into deep space starts at $12,995 (£9,428.62).



Prices also vary according to what's included in the service package. Some companies offer memorial videos, pages and more.

Can you get your ashes sent to space?

Yes. Anyone can have a space burial. Ashes can be sent into orbit, released into space, sent to an extraterrestrial body or sent into deep space.

Space burial FAQs

  • How does space burial work?

    Space burial consists of launching a portion of a person's cremated remains into space. These can go into Earth's orbit, be released into the stratosphere, reach the Moon or even be sent into deep space. These missions are carried out by private companies, which offer different service packages.

  • How much does a space funeral cost?

    The cost of burial in space changes according to the destination of the ashes. Burial in deep space, for instance, is significantly more expensive than burial just beyond the boundary with space. Whatever service you choose, you'll be paying at least £2,000.

  • How do you get your ashes into space?

    Private companies such as Celestis in the US and Aura Flights in the UK send ashes into space. They offer different service packages. Ashes can be sent to different destinations and either recovered or released.

  • Where can ashes be sent in space?

    Depending on the company you use, ashes can be sent just beyond the boundary line of space or beyond into Earth's orbit. They can be sent to the Moon or even into deep space. The further the ashes go, the more you'll pay.

  • When was the first burial in space?

    The concept of space burials comes from science fiction – namely a 1931 novella by Neil R. Jones. It became a reality in 1992 when a sample of the cremated remains of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry was launched into space by NASA Space Shuttle Columbia.

  • Which famous people have been buried in space?

    Several famous people have been buried in space. These include Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, and the writer Timothy Leary.


    Clyde Tombaugh may not be a household name, but he has entered the history books as the discoverer of Pluto in 1930. A small sample of his ashes was placed in New Horizons, a spacecraft that flew by and photographed Pluto in 2015.

  • Is moon burial possible?

    So far, there has only been one moon burial. In 1998, NASA's Lunar Prospector mission went looking for ice on the Moon. A portion of Eugene Shoemaker's ashes were carried in a capsule. In 1999, the craft was deliberately crashed into the Moon, in effect burying Eugene's ashes.


    The service is offered by Celestis. It's been opposed by Navajo Nation. Its president, Buu Nygren, objected that the Navajo and other American Indians consider the Moon to be a sacred space. Celestis, he said, was disregarding "deeply held cultural beliefs" and desecrating a sacred space.

  • Is space burial environmentally friendly?

    Yes and no. It doesn't involve a furnace or embalming chemicals and it doesn't take up space in a gravesite. However, it does require a rocket to be launched into space. This uses a lot of fuel and produces greenhouse gas emissions.

Arrange the funeral you want with AFD

At Akshardham Funeral Directors, we work with people from all faiths and backgrounds. We provide a listening ear and compassionate guidance through all stages of the process. Contact us via our webpage or on our 24/7 phone line on 020 8355 7876.