The first such moon mission is expected to take place sometime in the next few years, and about 1,000 capsules carrying ashes will be included on this initial journey. And while this will be the first such commercial venture, it comes in the wake of another similar trial lunar mission back in 1999, which carried the remains of scientific historian Dr. Eugene Shoemaker, who was instrumental in furthering the field of planetary science. In fitting tribute for his numerous contributions, one gram of the prestigious scientist’s remains were carried on this highly-publicized lunar flight. When the mission was complete, the craft was deliberately crashed into the lunar surface, where it, and the ashes of Shoemaker, today remains.

What It Costs

You don’t have to be famous, though, to be able to arrange your own sub-orbital or lunar memorial service for yourself or for a loved one. You just need to have a little money to spend. What it will cost depends on your preferences. A Houston-based company called Memorial Spaceflights, which is a collaboration among Celestis, Odyssey Moon Limited and Astrobotic Technology, Inc., helps make such journeys possible in death.

If a suborbital launch for your remains is what you want, an investment of between $1,000 and $5,300 can make it a reality. (Keep in mind this is in the same range as the cost of a typical burial.)

Or, if the moon is your target destination, you may want to check out some upcoming lunar missions. Memorial Space Flights is currently accepting reservations for a variety of moon-related options coming soon for people to choose from, either for themselves or others.

For instance, if you want to have your ashes launched into the lunar orbit or surface, to carry one gram cost in a capsule costs about $10,000, or to carry seven grams in a larger module costs $20,000.