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NDTV
08-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Space Capsule Carrying Ashes Of Over 160 Crashes Into Pacific Ocean
A space capsule carrying the ashes of 166 people crashed into the Pacific Ocean after two successful orbits around the Earth. According to the New York Post, a German startup called The Exploration Company (TEC) launched the Nyx capsule on June 23 as part of the program "Mission Possible". Its cargo included the remains of 166 people, whose ashes were sent into orbit through Celestis, a Texas-based space burial company. However, things didn't go exactly to plan as the capsule encountered an "issue" after its launch and plummeted to Earth, dropping into the Pacific Ocean. In a statement, the company said that the capsule was "launched successfully, powered the payloads nominally in-orbit, stabilized itself after separation with the launcher, re-entered and re-established communication after black out," but then things went off script. As per the New York Post, the company stated that it "lost communication" with the capsule "a few minutes before splash down." It added that it is still "investigating the root cause". "We apologize to all our clients who entrusted us with their payloads," the company said in a statement in the letter. "We all hoped for full success; partial success is often part of the road for those who take risks and push boundaries to change the world positively. I take full responsibility and present my apologies to our customers for not achieving full success," said TEC CEO Helene Huby in a LinkedIn Post. Celestis, a Texas-based space burial company which was part of the mission, stated that this was the first Celestis mission in which ashes were "designed to return from orbit". However, it noted that due to the crash into the Pacific Ocean, the ashes were dispersed at sea. As a result of this, they believe that they would "not be able to recover or return the flight capsules aboard." "Though we currently believe that we cannot return the flight capsules, we hope families will find some peace in knowing their loved ones were part of a historic journey, launched into space, orbited Earth, and are now resting in the vastness of the Pacific, akin to a traditional and honored sea scattering," the company said in a statement, according to People. Notably, ashes weren't the only thing on board the space capsule. Cannabis plant matter and seeds launched as part of a citizen science project called Martian Grow were also on board the capsule, per the outlet.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Space burial goes wrong: Capsule with remains of 166 people and cannabis seeds crashes into Pacific ocean
A space capsule carrying the ashes of 166 people , along with a collection of cannabis seeds , was lost after crashing into the Pacific Ocean during reentry. The capsule, part of a mission called " Mission Possible " by German aerospace start-up The Exploration Company (TEC), launched on June 23, 2025. Its cargo, arranged through Texas-based space burial firm Celestis , successfully completed two orbits around Earth before communication was lost. While the mission aimed to be Celestis's first to return from orbit, a reentry anomaly led to the capsule's destruction and the scattering of its contents at sea. Space burial mission ends in loss after promising start The Nyx capsule, designed and launched by The Exploration Company, initially performed well. It powered its payloads in orbit, stabilized after launch separation, and briefly re-established communication during reentry. However, the company lost contact just minutes before splashdown. TEC confirmed the capsule crashed into the Pacific Ocean, with no materials recovered. This was Celestis's first attempt at a return-from-orbit space burial, carrying remains of 166 individuals entrusted by families around the world. The mission also carried cannabis seeds as part of the Martian Grow project, a citizen science initiative aimed at exploring the potential of farming cannabis on Mars. TEC has only launched one other capsule prior to Nyx, and while they hailed several technical milestones, they acknowledged the risks involved and expressed a commitment to relaunching in the future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Families mourn while celestis promises support Celestis co-founder Charles M. Chafer expressed disappointment and offered condolences to the families involved. He acknowledged the bravery of those who chose to participate in a first-of-its-kind return mission and emphasized the symbolic value of having their loved ones orbit Earth before their final resting place in the Pacific Ocean. Despite the tragic outcome, he noted that many milestones — launch, orbit, and controlled reentry — had been achieved. The company has reached out to affected families to offer support and discuss possible next steps. In his words, while no technical feat can replace the personal meaning behind such missions, 'we remain committed to serving with transparency, compassion, and care.'
New York Post
05-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Space capsule carrying ashes of 166 people — and cannabis seeds — lost after crashing into Pacific Ocean
A space capsule carrying the ashes of more than 160 people — and a stash of cannabis seeds — was lost when it crashed into the Pacific Ocean after two orbits around the Earth. The Exploration Company (TEC), a German start-up, launched the Nyx capsule's 'Mission Possible' on June 23. Its precious cargo included the remains of 166 people, whose ashes were sent into orbit through Celestis, a Texas-based space burial company. While the departed souls had smooth sailing for two successful orbits around Earth, 'an anomaly occurred, and the vehicle was lost shortly after re-entry,' Celestis co-founder and CEO Charles M. Chafer, wrote on its website. 'The root cause is under investigation, resulting in the Nyx capsule impacting the Pacific Ocean and dispersing its contents at sea,' he added. 'As a result of this unforeseen event, we believe that we will not be able to recover or return the flight capsules aboard.' 3 The Nyx shuttle, launched by The Exploration Company, crashed into the Pacific Ocean, losing the remains for more than 166 people — and a stash of cannabis seeds. Space X TEC said the capsule was 'launched successfully, powered the payloads nominally in-orbit, stabilized itself after separation with the launcher, re-entered and re-established communication after black out,' it wrote on LinkedIn. When the capsule returned to Earth's orbit, the company suddenly 'lost communication' with it 'a few minutes before splash down,' it added. The materials on board the capsule have not been recovered since its crash landing in the Pacific, the company confirmed. 3 The precious cargo was sent into orbit through Celestis, a Texas-based space burial company. Space X 'We apologize to all our clients who entrusted us with their payloads.' Chafer said Celestis shares 'in the disappointment of our families, and we offer our sincerest gratitude for their trust.' 'While there were many successful milestones achieved — launch, orbit, and controlled reentry — this was the first Celestis mission designed to return from orbit, and we recognize the bravery and ambition it required from all involved. We also recognize that no technical achievement replaces the profound personal meaning this service holds for our families,' he added. 3 All the cargo was lost at sea. The Exploration Company The ashes were lost alongside a collection of cannabis plant matter and seeds, Popular Mechanics reported. The plant was contributed by the citizen science project Martian Grow that seeks to 'make science free again' and ultimately farm cannabis on Mars, according to its website. TEC has only sent one other capsule to space before Nyx, according to its website. 'We have been pushing boundaries in record time and cost. This partial success reflects both ambition and the inherent risks of innovation. Leveraging the technical milestones achieved yesterday and the lessons we will extract from our ongoing investigation, we will then prepare to re-fly as soon as possible,' TEC assured. Chafer said Celestis was in contact with the families 'to offer support and discuss possible next steps' — and hoped they would 'find some peace in knowing their loved ones were part of a historic journey, launched into space, orbited Earth, and are now resting in the vastness of the Pacific, akin to a traditional and honored sea scattering. 'We remain committed to serving with transparency, compassion, and care.'
