Startup Plans Affordable 2027 Space Launch for 1,000 People’s Ashes
Ryan Mitchell, a former manufacturing engineer at NASA and Blue Origin, is launching a groundbreaking service called Space Beyond. This startup offers a unique program named “Ashes to Space,” allowing up to 1,000 individuals’ ashes to be sent to space in an affordable manner.
Inexpensive Space Launch for Ashes
Space Beyond’s service is not only innovative but also significantly cheaper than competitors. The cheapest option starts at just $249, while other services often charge thousands. This cost reduction is made possible through a launch services agreement with Arrow Science and Technology, integrating their CubeSat into a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission scheduled for October 2027.
Ash Sending Process
The “Ashes to Space” program utilizes CubeSats, which are miniature cube-shaped satellites designed for small-scale missions. Customers will be able to send approximately one gram of ashes into space. This limitation allows more people to participate while keeping the program financially viable.
- Company: Space Beyond
- Service: Ashes to Space
- Launch Date: October 2027
- Cost: Starting at $249
- Orbit: Sun-synchronous orbit at about 550 kilometers (341 miles)
- Duration: Approximately five years in orbit
Symbolic Closure
After five years in orbit, the CubeSat will re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere, symbolically burning up. Although customers cannot physically spread ashes in space due to debris concerns, they can keep the remainder of a loved one’s ashes, providing them with options for memorialization.
Challenges and Opportunities
Mitchell’s vision for Space Beyond stems from a personal experience with a family ash-spreading ceremony. He aimed to create a more meaningful closure for families. Despite the challenges of the launch industry, such as weight restrictions and regulatory concerns, the rideshare model has made space launches more accessible.
Mitchell stated he is not focused on profit maximization. He aims to offer a compassionate service while providing an alternative to the traditional funeral industry, which often imposes high costs during vulnerable times.
Future of Space Beyond
Mitchell’s journey began with an idea rooted in both personal loss and professional engineering experience. His passion for this initiative motivates him as he works towards making space accessible for memorial purposes. With the support of modern tracking services, families will be able to locate their CubeSat in the night sky, creating an ongoing connection to their loved ones in space.
