techcrunch.com
Former NASA and Blue Origin engineer Ryan Mitchell founded Space Beyond to address a heartfelt need he observed during a family member’s memorial. His startup, “Ashes to Space,” launches cremated remains into orbit using CubeSats. Unlike competitors charging thousands of dollars, Space Beyond offers services starting at $249 by utilizing rideshare missions on SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
The process involves sending one gram of ashes onboard a CubeSat scheduled for launch in October 2027. These satellites will orbit in a sun-synchronous path, allowing families to track them for approximately five years before the satellite burns up in the atmosphere. Mitchell, who self-funded the venture, prioritizes an affordable, accessible alternative to the traditional funeral industry.
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