This startup will send 1,000 people’s ashes to space — affordably — in 2027
A former NASA engineer is launching a startup aiming to dramatically lower the cost of sending human remains into space. Ryan Mitchell, founder of Space Beyond, conceived the idea while reflecting on the fleeting nature of memorial ceremonies and seeking a more lasting tribute.
A New Approach to Space Memorials
Mitchell’s background includes work on the NASA space shuttle program and nearly a decade at Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space company. He observed a significant decrease in the cost of accessing space, largely driven by competition from companies like SpaceX. This realization, coupled with a personal experience at a family ash-scattering, sparked the creation of Space Beyond and its “Ashes to Space” program.
Space Beyond plans to utilize a CubeSat – a small, cube-shaped satellite – to carry the ashes of up to 1,000 individuals on a single mission. The company announced on Thursday a launch services agreement with Arrow Science and Technology to integrate the CubeSat onto a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission.
Democratizing Access to Space
While the concept of sending ashes to space isn’t new, with companies like Celestis offering similar services since the 1990s, Space Beyond differentiates itself through affordability. The company’s most basic offering starts at $249, significantly lower than the thousands of dollars typically charged by competitors. This price point is achieved through the use of the rideshare model and a lean, bootstrapped operation.
Mitchell emphasized that Space Beyond isn’t focused on maximizing profits. He stated, “I’ve been told I’m not charging enough for this service,” but added, “I’m not looking to take over the world, and I’m not looking to make a billion dollars doing this.”
Limitations and Future Trajectory
The CubeSat format imposes certain limitations. Each customer can send only approximately one gram of ashes, a constraint dictated by weight considerations for launch providers like SpaceX and the need to accommodate a large number of participants. The CubeSat itself will have a limited lifespan of about five years, eventually burning up in Earth’s atmosphere upon re-entry.
However, the satellite’s sun-synchronous orbit, at an altitude of around 550 kilometers (341 miles), will allow it to pass over the entire globe. Customers may be able to track the CubeSat and observe it from their location using modern spacecraft tracking services. The eventual fiery re-entry is also viewed by Mitchell as a symbolically fitting conclusion.
Mitchell considered various career paths after leaving Blue Origin, including becoming a launch director or even a Kava bartender, but consistently returned to this idea. He described a process of rigorous engineering analysis that validated the feasibility of the concept, and his wife confirmed his unwavering focus on the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to send ashes to space with Space Beyond?
The cheapest offering from Space Beyond is $249, though customers are responsible for arranging cremation services separately.
How much of a person’s ashes are sent to space?
Space Beyond will send approximately one gram of a person’s ashes to space.
How long will the CubeSat remain in orbit?
Space Beyond’s CubeSat is expected to remain in orbit for approximately five years before burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.
Will this new, affordable option significantly alter the space memorial market remains to be seen, but Space Beyond’s approach could open up this unique service to a broader audience.