Space Beyond Plans Affordable Ashes-to-Space Service
Space Beyond, a startup founded by Ryan Mitchell, plans to launch up to 1,000 people’s ashes into space in a single launch. The mission is scheduled for October 2027 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare.
Mitchell, a former NASA and Blue Origin engineer, said the idea came after attending a family ash-spreading ceremony. He wanted to make the experience more meaningful.
How It Works
The ashes will ride in a CubeSat, a small cube-shaped satellite. Each customer can send about one gram of ashes. This allows Space Beyond to fit many customers on a single mission while keeping launch costs manageable.
The CubeSat will orbit at about 550 kilometers in a sun-synchronous orbit. This path lets it pass over the entire globe. Customers can track its position and know when it passes over their location.
Affordable and Accessible
Space Beyond’s cheapest option starts at $249, far lower than typical ashes-to-space services that cost thousands. Mitchell said he aims to offer this service without overcharging families.
The CubeSat will remain in orbit for about five years. After that, it will burn up on re-entry, providing a symbolic end to the journey. The company will not scatter ashes in space to avoid creating debris.
A Personal Vision
Mitchell left Blue Origin last year with many ideas. He chose ashes-to-space because it combined his engineering expertise with a personal passion. He said the project made sense after careful planning and rigorous engineering analysis.
“I tried to talk myself out of it, but it kept making sense every time I reviewed the requirements and the business case,” he said. His wife noticed his obsession with the idea.
