One Dog’s Final Adventure: Shooting for the Stars
You know how some stories just hit differently? This one’s about a pup—not just any pup, but one whose ashes are about to take the ride of their afterlife. This Sunday, Celestis Inc., this Texas company that’s basically turning space into the ultimate memorial park, is launching their Perseverance Flight from California. And get this—it’s carrying people’s ashes, sure, but also some very special pets. Including one very good boy.
Not Your Average Space Mission
So the launch is set for 5:30 p.m. PST from Vandenberg. But here’s the thing—it’s not just about satellites or science experiments this time. Celestis has been doing this for years, sending up little capsules with cremated remains. They’ve had some famous “passengers” too—Gene Roddenberry’s DNA, for crying out loud! But a dog? That’s new. And honestly? Kinda beautiful.
What gets me is how space is becoming this… I don’t know, emotional outlet? Like, we used to just bury people or scatter ashes at sea. Now you can literally shoot your loved ones into orbit. Wild times we’re living in.
Why Space? Because Love Doesn’t Have Limits
The family (who asked to stay anonymous—fair enough) said something that stuck with me: “They deserved the stars.” Simple. Perfect. Makes you think, doesn’t it? We treat pets like family, so why not give them a send-off that’s out of this world—literally?
My neighbor lost his golden retriever last year. Went full-on memorial mode—custom urn, paw print tattoo, the works. But space? That’s next-level. Dr. Lisa Freeman, who counsels people grieving pets, told me something interesting: “When traditional rituals don’t cut it, people invent new ones. And sometimes? The weirder, the better.” Guess that explains pet taxidermy too.
How This Actually Works (And What It Costs)
Okay, practical stuff. Celestis takes ashes—just a tiny bit, actually—and puts them in these special capsules. They hitch a ride on whatever rocket’s heading up. For pets, it starts at $2,500. Not cheap, but compared to human memorials? Basically a bargain. They did a flight in 2019 with 150 people’s remains, including Scotty from Star Trek. Now that’s a crew.
Talked to someone whose cat went up in 2021. She said—and I’m paraphrasing here—”Knowing Mittens is up there with actual stars? Yeah, I cry sometimes, but it’s the good kind.” Gets you right in the feels.
Other Ways to Remember Your Pet
Look, space burials aren’t for everyone. Maybe you’re broke (same). Or maybe rockets freak you out. Totally valid. There’s this artist in Bangalore who mixes ashes into paint for portraits—saw one last month, and damn if it didn’t look exactly like the dog. Or you could plant a tree. Or just… keep the collar on your dresser. Whatever works.
Point is, grief’s messy. You do what helps. For some people, that’s joining online groups where everyone gets it. For others? Maybe it’s buying a star name from one of those sketchy websites. No judgment here.
So… Are Space Funerals the Future?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Rockets aren’t exactly eco-friendly, right? Celestis says they’re just tagging along on existing missions, so it’s not like they’re launching fireworks for fun. But still. Makes you wonder—in twenty years, will “buried in space” be as normal as “cremated”?
For now, it’s still special. And for that one dog’s family? It’s perfect. Can’t argue with that.
Bottom Line
When that rocket takes off Sunday, it’s carrying more than metal and science gear. It’s carrying love that didn’t stop at the grave. Or the atmosphere, apparently. Cheesy? Maybe. But also… kinda cool.
Ever done something unusual to remember a pet? Hit me up. And if you’re curious about Celestis: celestis.com. No, they’re not paying me—I just think dead pets in space is a conversation starter.
Source: NY Post – US News
