“Guinness World Records (GWR) has spoken with the founder of Celestis, the pioneering spaceflight memorial company, about the growing phenomenon of burials in space and the company’s ambitious plans for an upcoming mission to Mars. The conversation sheds light on how space exploration is reshaping even the most personal human rituals.
Celestis has already made history by launching the cremated remains and DNA samples of individuals into space, the Moon, and deep space—offering families a unique way to memorialize loved ones among the stars. These missions have included the remains of astronauts, scientists, celebrities, and space enthusiasts, marking several Guinness World Records for firsts in off-Earth memorial flights.
Speaking to GWR, the founder explained that the idea behind space burials is deeply symbolic, blending humanity’s ancient desire to look to the heavens with modern aerospace technology. What once seemed like science fiction has now become a meaningful option for those who feel a strong connection to space, exploration, and legacy.
Looking ahead, Celestis is preparing for an unprecedented memorial mission to Mars, which would make it the first company to send human remains toward the Red Planet. While the payload would not land on Mars, the mission would place memorial capsules on an interplanetary trajectory—representing a historic step in both space travel and commemorative practices.
The founder emphasized that these missions are carried out in partnership with established aerospace providers, following strict safety and regulatory standards. As interest in commercial spaceflight grows, so does public fascination with how space can become part of human culture, remembrance, and identity.”
Celestis has already made history by launching the cremated remains and DNA samples of individuals into space, the Moon, and deep space—offering families a unique way to memorialize loved ones among the stars. These missions have included the remains of astronauts, scientists, celebrities, and space enthusiasts, marking several Guinness World Records for firsts in off-Earth memorial flights.
Speaking to GWR, the founder explained that the idea behind space burials is deeply symbolic, blending humanity’s ancient desire to look to the heavens with modern aerospace technology. What once seemed like science fiction has now become a meaningful option for those who feel a strong connection to space, exploration, and legacy.
Looking ahead, Celestis is preparing for an unprecedented memorial mission to Mars, which would make it the first company to send human remains toward the Red Planet. While the payload would not land on Mars, the mission would place memorial capsules on an interplanetary trajectory—representing a historic step in both space travel and commemorative practices.
The founder emphasized that these missions are carried out in partnership with established aerospace providers, following strict safety and regulatory standards. As interest in commercial spaceflight grows, so does public fascination with how space can become part of human culture, remembrance, and identity.”
