Memorial Spaceflights

Earth Rise Service


The Earth Rise service affordably launches a symbolic portion of cremated remains or DNA to space. After experiencing the zero gravity environment, the individual flight capsules and modules are returned to Earth and delivered to the family as a flown keepsake

“I like the idea that we are born of stardust and, like stardust, will fall back to Earth.” -- Astronaut Jean-Francois Clervoy

Next Earth Rise Mission

The Perseverance Flight (Celestis 25) will launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Contact us to reserve space on this flight.

DETAILS AND RESERVATIONS

Touching the Sky

The Celestis Earth Rise Service launches flight capsules containing cremated remains and DNA samples -- housed inside the Celestis spacecraft -- to outer space, reaching that stunning view of the Earth from above, previously attained by astronauts like John Glenn and Yuri Gagarin.

The spectacular point of weightlessness can last -- depending on the targeted orbital altitude of the spacecraft -- moments or even hours as the Celestis spacecraft orbits the Earth. Finally, the flight capsules descend back to Earth and are returned as flown-to-space keepsakes to family members and loved ones, together with a certificate specifying launch success and mission details. A professional video of all of the mission milestones and events is provided to commemorate the day your loved one touched the sky.

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A Truly Personal Spaceflight Memorial

Earth Rise is – in many ways – Celestis’ most intimately experienced memorial spaceflight service.

The launch service provider hosts Celestis guests on a pre-launch tour, conducted the day before liftoff. Company staff and engineers demonstrate the inner workings of mission control and lead a launchpad tour for a close-up view of the rocket, permitting photos and a final goodbye to loved ones (when available).

The pre-launch memorial service blends family and loved ones' memories of those aboard, inspirational music, and words of welcome from local officials at an appropriate local venue. Launch guests may stay together at a Celestis mission headquarters resort. Many lasting friendships are formed among those sharing the memorial experience, regardless of hometown.

On launch day, the group travels to witness together the majesty and power of the launch. The launch is webcast for family members and friends who cannot attend. A short time for reflection, celebration, and sharing occurs post launch and during the return trip to the hotel, where Celestis team members assist in final details and guest departure.

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Launch from THE CRADLE OF AMERICAN ROCKETRY

Earth Rise Service memorial spaceflights are launched -- depending on availability -- from Spaceport America, New Mexico or from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

Spaceport America is a $220 million facility constructed to host Virgin Galactic space tourism operations. Celestis memorial spaceflights are conducted from the Spaceport Vertical Launch Facility, launched aboard a SpaceLoft XL rocket. Friends and family members witness the launch from the nearest possible safe viewing site.

Visiting New Mexico for a Celestis launch event provides ample opportunity to experience the early days of American rocketry – Robert Goddard began his flight experiments here – and to travel along the New Mexico Space History Trail. For others, the state’s natural beauty – as evidenced by the nearby White Sands National Monument – Native American heritage, and unique cuisine offer reasons to extend your stay.

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Launched from HISTORICAL VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE

Launches from California take place from Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), near Lompoc, California, the nation’s primary launch site for US government and commercial launches into polar orbit. Vandenberg is also a US Space Force Base, hosting the 30th Space Wing and other military units.

Celestis memorial spaceflights are launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the Space Launch Complex 4 (SLC-F). Viewing will be off-site from the Base. Participating in a Celestis launch from California's Central Coast wine country offers a special experience - a region made famous by the feature film Sideways.

Celestis hosts a pre-launch reception at a local Lompoc area winery, and families are encouraged to take clock time to visit local attractions in Solvang and Santa Barbara.

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Jerry Larson

"A rocket launch is exciting enough as it is but Celestis makes it personal, and for it to be everybody's flight."

~Jerry Larson, CEO UP Aerospace, Inc.

Earth Rise Service Includes

Whether you celebrate the life of a loved one, honor your parents, or plan to fulfill your own dream of spaceflight, the Earth Rise service is the most extraordinary way to celebrate life. 

Starting at $3495
Destination: Space

Launch to space of a personalized individual capsule or of a gemini capsule containing cremated remains or DNA. The flown flight capsule is recovered, validated as having reached space, and returned to the family as a keepsake.

Launch Invitation

Attend all Celestis launch events including launch site tour, astronaut dinner, memorial service, and launch viewing from a preferred location. Most events are webcast, permitting participation by friends and loved ones unable to attend

Keepsakes

Celestis produces a custom video of the experience, provided to each participant’s family. An official Certificate of Mission Completion, specifying mission accomplishments, is also included.

Performance Guarantee

The Celestis contract contains a performance guarantee offering a complimentary second mission should the first mission attempt fail to achieve success.

Veterans Preference

Celestis proudly offers a reduced price for veterans.

Advance Planning

Plan an Earth Rise service contract in advance and receive a price guarantee, invitations to Celestis launches, and peace of mind. Payment plans are available for all Celestis services.

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