Celestis, a Texas-based company specializing in space burial services, is set to send hair samples of former U.S. presidents into space.
Celestis announced that they will launch what they believe to be “verified DNA” belonging to former presidents aboard a rocket from United Launch Alliance (ULA) later this year, according to a report by CNN-News18 on February 20.
The rocket will carry hair samples of former U.S. presidents into space. (Photo: United Launch Alliance).
Celestis unveiled this plan on February 20, coinciding with Presidents’ Day in the United States.
The hair samples were taken from former presidents George Washington, John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan. Celestis stated that the samples were donated by an anonymous benefactor along with certificates of authenticity.
The company added that the hair samples originated from the collection of Louis Mushro, a “renowned hair collector and authenticator” from Michigan. Mushro passed away in 2014.
“For several years, these hair samples have been preserved in a climate-controlled facility in preparation for this mission,” Celestis stated.
Additionally, the flight—named “Enterprise”—will also carry the cremated remains of creator Gene Roddenberry and actors from the Star Trek franchise.
The hair samples and the capsule containing the ashes will be sent into space by the ULA Vulcan rocket, which is expected to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida in the coming months.
The ULA rocket will deploy two satellites, send a private lander to the Moon, and subsequently launch a collection of hair samples and ashes into space.
ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno stated: “It is an honor to partner with Celestis to launch four esteemed presidents of the United States on our Vulcan launch vehicle.”
The orbital burial business is gaining momentum, as more people wish to experience eternal rest among the stars, especially as costs have become more affordable.
According to CNN, similar to terrestrial services, the company offers various options at different price points. An urn or DNA can be sent to the Moon starting at $12,500. Meanwhile, the cost for “burial” in low Earth orbit is approximately $4,995.
