This company plans to launch the remains of 1,000 individuals into space at an accessible price in 2027.

How Space Beyond Is Making Space Memorials Accessible

Ryan Mitchell, the creator of Space Beyond, found inspiration for his venture while stargazing during a camping trip at a state park. As he contemplated his future, his thoughts drifted to the possibilities that space now offered.

With a background as a manufacturing engineer on NASA’s space shuttle program and nearly ten years at Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, Mitchell had witnessed firsthand how companies like SpaceX had dramatically reduced the cost of reaching orbit. The stars, he realized, felt closer than ever before.

The concept for Space Beyond crystallized for Mitchell during a family member’s ash-scattering ceremony. Reflecting on the experience, he recalled, “After it ended, we were left wondering what to do next. The moment felt fleeting.” This prompted him to consider, “Is there a more meaningful way to do this?”

This question sparked the creation of Space Beyond and its “Ashes to Space” initiative. The program plans to use a CubeSat—a compact, cube-shaped satellite—to carry the ashes of up to 1,000 individuals into orbit on a single mission. Recently, Space Beyond signed an agreement with Arrow Science & Technology to launch their CubeSat aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare, with liftoff slated for October 2027.

Affordable Space Memorials

While sending cremated remains to space has been possible since the 1990s—pioneered by companies like Celestis—Space Beyond stands out for its affordability. Their entry-level package is priced at just $249, a fraction of the thousands typically charged by competitors. (Customers must arrange for cremation separately.)

Mitchell attributes these lower costs to several factors. Chief among them is the rideshare launch model, which has opened up space access to a wider range of organizations. By developing small CubeSats that can be included on larger missions, companies can now participate in space launches at a much lower price point, enabling new scientific and commercial opportunities.

Additionally, Space Beyond is self-funded and not focused on maximizing investor returns. “People have told me I’m underpricing this service,” Mitchell noted, especially considering how the funeral industry often takes advantage of grieving families. “But I’m not aiming to dominate the market or make a billion dollars.”

How the Service Works

• Each customer can send approximately one gram of ashes, allowing the CubeSat to accommodate many participants and remain financially feasible.
• The CubeSat will orbit Earth for about five years before re-entering the atmosphere and burning up, providing a symbolic conclusion to the memorial.
• The satellite will travel in a sun-synchronous orbit at roughly 550 kilometers (341 miles) above Earth, passing over every part of the globe. Customers can track its location and know when it’s overhead.
• Space Beyond will not release ashes into space, as this could create hazardous debris. Instead, families retain the remainder of their loved one’s ashes for other memorials.

Personal Motivation and Vision

After leaving Blue Origin, Mitchell explored numerous career paths, from becoming a launch director at another aerospace firm to working as a Kava bartender. Yet, he kept returning to the idea of space memorials. “I tried to convince myself it would be too costly or complex,” he admitted. “But every time I analyzed it with an engineer’s mindset, the concept held up.”

His passion for the project was evident to those around him. “My wife pointed out, ‘You haven’t stopped talking about this for weeks,’” Mitchell shared.

Looking Ahead

Space Beyond is redefining how we remember loved ones, offering a unique and affordable way to honor their memory among the stars. While the service has its limitations, it opens a new chapter in space memorials—one that is both meaningful and accessible.