A new dimension of mourning rituals has emerged with the evolution of space exploration.
After the passing of individuals passionate about astronomyfamilies have found a way to honor their loved ones by sending their ashes to the Moon.
First posthumous trip to space
Human ashes have been sent to the Moon – Image: NASA/Reproduction
In 1998, the NASA sent astronomer Eugene Shoemaker’s ashes to the Moon during the Lunar Prospector mission, marking the first sending of human ashes to space.
However, new services offered by private companies are allowing more people to accomplish the same feat.
In January this year, Celestis and Elysium Space, two private companies, offered a similar service, also sending ashes and DNA samples to the Moon.
The Vulcan Centaur rocket, which departed from Florida, carried Peregrine, a probe tasked with landing on the Moon.
Despite the attempt, a failure caused Peregrine to disintegrate while crossing the Earth’s atmosphere on February 18.
Payloads left on the Moon spark debate
Here, it is worth highlighting that this curious service has generated controversy, since the indigenous people of the Navajo tribe of North America express their disagreement due to the sacred status they attribute to the Moon.
The debate even extends to other items already left on the lunar surface, such as a photograph left by Charles Duke during the Apollo 16 mission in 1972.
How much does it cost to send items to the Moon?
Celestis and Elysium charge, on average, 13 thousand dollars to send a small load to the Moon, which is equivalent to almost 65 thousand reais.
Only small burial capsules containing previously authorized materials may be sent to the lunar mission.
Despite the obstacles and controversies, it is undeniable that the evolution of space exploration is opening new frontiers, not only for science and technology, but for commercial practices and even mourning rituals.
Who knows how this might evolve as the trip to the space becomes increasingly accessible?
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