Celestis offers a new and unique approach for honoring and remembering the
spirit of a loved one while simultaneously helping to open the space frontier
for all of us. The Celestis service includes launching the individually
encapsulated cremated remains of you or your loved one into space. In addition,
a portion of the cost is donated to the nonprofit celestis foundation, which
promotes positive projects on Earth and in outer space.
In our lifetimes, most of us will never have the opportunity to actually venture
into space or dedicate our lives to the exploration of the universe. However,
in a symbolic way, we all can become astronauts; we can actually reach outer
space. And we can know that our final adventure is sowing the seeds for both
responsible Earth stewardship and ongoing journeys into space by our
descendants--the ultimate adventure.
The Celestis commemorative spaceflights combine modern technology and the
ancient, multicultural cunerary custom of cremation. Celestis gives each of us
the opportunity to choose a final path that is dignified and environmentally
benign and that captures the urge to explore that lies within many of us.
Thousands of years ago, the Vikings symbolically marked the passing of their
chiefs by entombing them in sacred dragon ships and launching the burning vessels
into their universe, the sea. Today, Celestis offers a dignified and affordable
tribute to the pioneers and adventurers among us who dream of voyaging into space.
The technology and our vision of the cosmos have evolved, but the stirrings
of the human heart remain much the same.
THE CELESTIAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
Recognizing the importance of an experienced and reliable launch team, Celestis
has entered into an agreement with Orbital Sciences Corporation, one of the
world's leading providers of commercial launch services. Beginning in 1996,
Celestis payloads will be integrated in Orbital's Pegasus(R) and taurus(R)
launch vehicles.
Under the initial Celestis service option, the payload of memorial cremains
capsules will orbit the Earth, sailing through space. Eventually, the entire
satellite will reenter the atmosphere and harmlessly vaporize, blazing like a
shooting star in final tribute.
The Celestis space memorial service flies a symbolic portion of the cremated
remains in space. A number of appropriate alternatives are available for the
disposition of the balance of the cremains.
For the symbolic cremains to be flown in space, Celestis tracks and records the
entire process, from pre-launch operations through launch. Celestis places the
symbolic cremains of each person into an individually inscribed capsule that is
prepared for spaceflight. Celestis stores these capsules in a secure facility
until they are shipped to the launch site for payload integration before launch.
From dreamers to designers to astronauts, space professionals have always
acknowledged and accepted the reality that a launch attempt may fail. In that
tradition, Celestis will insist that our customers fully understand both the
potential advantages and risks associated with the Celestis service.
You or your family (as appropriate) will receive updates on Celestis operations
and a symbolic representation of your commitment to Celestis and the Celstis
Foundation. In addition, your family will be apprised of the date and stauts
of the launch and associated memorial service. An individualized videotape of
the memorial flight activities will be furnished shortly after the launch.
Celestis also will construct a special monument to the visionaries who make this
journey, enshrining their names and flights as a permanent memorial for their
families and kindred spirits here on Earth.
THE CELESTIS FOUNDATION
When you select the Celestis service for yourself or a loved one, portion of the
cost is contributed directly to the Celestis Foundation. This nonprofit group
shares your dedication to promoting innovative projects that hold the promise of
improving life on Earth and stimulating our onging exploration of the universe.
The Celestis Foundation focuses on nurturing entrepreneurial space enterprises,
supporting organization that educate our children and the general public about
space, and contributing to charities that create a positive future on Earth.
The internationally recognized experts and leaders serving on the advisory
boardrecommend worthy projects for the annual Celestis Foundation grants, first
awarded in 1995.
Your contribution to the Celestis foundation ensures a continuing source of
support for the people and projects that will accelerate the opening of the
space frontier and the preservation of Earth.
