Space burial

Space burial is a burial procedure where a small sample of the cremated ashes of the deceased in a lipstick sized capsule are launched into space using a rocket. As of 2004, samples of about 150 people have been "buried" in space.

Outlook

Currently, only one company, Space Services Inc., offers space burials. Space Services took over the assets of Celestis, Inc., which launched four flights from 1997 to 2001. As science progresses it is expected that the cost and difficulties of space burials will be reduced, and other companies may enter the market.

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As of 2005, only cremated remains have been buried. Burial of a complete body is possible, but prohibitively expensive due to its weight. However, this is likely to change in the future.

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Though there have been requests, no pets have yet been buried in space.

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