Space burial mission ends in disaster after capsule crashes into ocean

A space capsule carrying the ashes and DNA of 166 individuals was lost after crashing into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. The mission, executed by Celestis Inc., aimed to offer families a unique way to honor their loved ones by sending their remains into orbit. The expected procedure involved the capsule reentering Earth's atmosphere and eventually parachuting into the ocean for recovery. Notably, although the launch was successful, the capsule encountered an issue shortly before splashdown, resulting in loss of communication as reported by Celestis Inc. They stated that the capsule had stabilized successfully after separation and re-established communications after the reentry blackout. An investigation was initiated to determine the reasons behind the failure, considering the previous successful missions conducted by Celestis since its inception in 1997, which had included some notable memorials such as that of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. On its social media, the company apologized to its customers for the incident, acknowledging the emotional investment families had in sending their loved ones to space. Space burials have gained popularity as alternative end-of-life options, and this failure marks a significant setback for the space memorial industry as it seeks to cater to an increasing demand for unique memorial services.