The first space burial took place on April 21, 1997, when the cremated remains (cremains, or ashes) of twenty-four people were launched into Earth orbit. The Houston-based company Celestis, Inc. performed this historic space memorial service. Approximately seven grams of ashes from each individual were placed into a lipstick-sized flight capsule. Each capsule was inscribed with the person's name and a personal message. The capsules were then placed in the memorial satellite—a small satellite about the size of a coffee can. The memorial satellite was launched into space aboard a commercial rocket and placed into Earth orbit.

Celestis has continued to launch a memorial satellite every year since 1997. Many families choose the space burial because their loved ones had wanted to travel in space in their lifetimes. Each successive satellite has included more individuals as news has spread of this unique space-age service.

As of this writing, Celestis is...