SpaceX sends human ashes into space

SpaceX continues to assert its leading position in the space industry, having just successfully launched 70 devices into orbit within the framework of the Transporter 14 mission, including satellites, re-entry capsules and human ashes.

The Nyx spacecraft carries the ashes or DNA samples of about 150 deceased people, orbiting Earth two to three times before returning, a short but meaningful space journey - Photo: SPACE

According to Space , the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 2:25 p.m. local time on June 23 (4:25 a.m. on June 24, Vietnam time). The first stage of the rocket returned safely when it landed on the unmanned ship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean after only 8 and a half minutes.

This is the 26th time the rocket has been reused, just two launches shy of SpaceX's record of 28.

One of the most notable features of Transporter 14 is the memorial capsule, operated by The Exploration Company's Nyx spacecraft, a joint mission with Celestis, a pioneer in space funeral services.

Nyx, carrying the ashes or DNA samples of about 150 deceased people, is expected to orbit Earth two or three times before returning, a short but meaningful space journey.

Launching human remains or DNA samples into space has profound symbolic significance, and opens up a new direction in the field of memorializing the deceased.

This is not only a personal and grateful act, but also reflects the desire to reach out into space, which is considered the "final frontier" of humanity. For many, sending a part of their remains into space is a way to mark their eternal presence among the stars, as a final journey beyond the finite Earth.

From a scientific and technological perspective, launching remains into orbit is also an applied experiment, as aerospace companies such as Celestis or The Exploration Company develop reusable spacecraft models capable of carrying a variety of "special passengers", while demonstrating the flexible and safe operation capabilities of new space technology.

This opens up the potential for the development of the extraterrestrial memorial service industry, a small but highly humane and high-tech field.

In addition to its memorial mission, Transporter 14 also carries a variety of advanced technical equipment. Among them is Capella Space's Capella-17 satellite, which uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology to observe the Earth in high resolution, regardless of weather or light.

Another notable device is Starfish Space’s Otter Pup 2 satellite, which is scheduled to perform the first commercial docking in low Earth orbit later this year. If successful, this will be a major step forward in the ability to maintain, collect space debris, or assemble satellites in space.

The mission also carries the fourth reentry capsule of Varda Space, a company developing technology to manufacture pharmaceuticals and materials in zero gravity conditions and then return them to Earth for use.

Transporter is a series of rideshare missions launched by SpaceX in 2021, giving small and medium-sized companies the opportunity to send equipment into space at optimal cost by sharing launch space.

The first mission, Transporter 1, set a world record by launching 143 satellites into orbit at once. Transporter 14 has since expanded that list, carrying many pioneering technologies and ideas into space.

MINH HAI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/spacex-dua-tro-cot-nguoi-len-vu-tru-20250624223245161.htm