ONLY ON ABC-7: Ashes rocketed into space

Families got a special wish granted Thursday at Apaceport America thanks to a collaboration between two aerospace companies. Ashes from deceased loved ones were rocketed into space.

The Spaceloft XL Rocket launched from Spaceport America, containing the ashes of 24 people from all over the country.

The $1,000 memorial spaceflights were first introduced by Celestis in 1995. Currently, they operate the flights jointly with Up Aerospace. The ashes are put into individualized flight capsules, which are then attached to the tip of the rocket.
After the rocket reaches space, it then returns, bringing the ashes back to the families.

Celestis co-founder Charles Chafer says it’s a unique way to celebrate the memory of a loved one:

“I traced the idea back in the 1800’s. Sort of like humans take their rituals wherever they go,” Chafer said.

Nikki Mott’s mother died years ago. She tells Abc-7 her mother would’ve loved the idea of going to space. When she saw the ribbon-like trail left behind, after the launch, she knew it was a sign.

“She called the contrails sky ribbons, that was a very long sky ribbon, she would have loved that,” Mott said.

Michele Bonner’s husband, Michael passed away in June. His lifelong dream was to travel to space. When he was diagnosed with lung cancer before his death, he told his family his dying wish was to be a part of a Celestis launch. Tdream came true Thursday:

“This is just his ultimate adventure,” Bonner said.

When the rocket launched, it left the family speechless.

“We thought we were going to be whooping and yelling, but we were very emotional,” Bonner said.

Today’s launch was part of NASA’s Flight Opportunities Launch program and was deemed a success by Spaceport America. The flight was originally scheduled for Monday, but was rescheduled due to poor weather.

This is the 13th launch by Up Aerospace and Celestis from Spaceport America.