As a final resting place, this one is out of this world.  Burial in space has been around for awhile.  It’s not really a burial, as you really just orbit the earth or are sent to the moon or deep space but I have to admit, it sounds exciting.  Celestis launched its first memorial spaceflight in 1979.  They don’t take all your cremated remains, just anywhere from one to 14 grams.  And that is how the price is calculated.  They offer several services starting with the “Earth Rise Service”.  You are on a capsule which doesn’t orbit but does rise to the level of “outer space”.  But then you are brought back down and given to your family.  So that is essentially just a ride.  Your family will still have to put you in a final resting place. The Earth Rise Service ranges in price from $495-$1495 depending on how many grams of you make the trip.  The second service is “Earth Orbit” in which you circle the earth and the Celestis capsule is released by the commercial craft.  They estimate you will stay in orbit anywhere from 10-240 years.  The price ranges from $1295-$7495, again depending on whether 1 or 14 grams of ashes make the journey.  “Luna Service” takes you to either to the moon’s surface or an orbit.  The Luna Service was first launched in 1999.  This service will cost from $12,000 to $67,496.  If your dream has always been to end up in deep space, then the “Voyager Service” is for you.  The Voyager Service will launch the modules through deepest space, “leaving the Earth-Moon system on a permanent celestial journey”.   This service again starts at $12,500 up to $67,495.  If you’ve always wanted to “be one with the Cosmos” then get cracking on your Preneed documentation because the next launch is scheduled for 2009 and all reservations for 2008 launches are closed.

Gene Roddenberry (the creator of Star Trek), Dr. Timothy Leary, and James Doohan (Scotty on Star Trek) are a few of the celebrities who have been buried in space.  This website makes a fascinating read. www.memorialspaceflights.com