A space capsule with human remains crashes in the Pacific.

A posthumous journey through the heavens before returning to Earth's surface to enjoy eternal rest. This is what Celestis is offering, offering the opportunity to send the ashes or DNA of a deceased person to orbit the planet a couple of times aboard the Nyx Mission Impossible spacecraft. However, the craft was unable to re-enter successfully and crashed in the Pacific Ocean.

The Perseverance rover, carrying the ashes and DNA of 166 participants , successfully launched and reached orbit on June 23, 2025. After completing two orbits of the Earth to meet the company's "successful service" criteria, it began its return trajectory as planned, according to a statement posted by the company on its website.

However, during the re-entry process, an anomaly occurred that led to the disaster: the parachute system failed, causing the Nyx capsule to impact the Pacific Ocean and disperse its contents into the sea . "As a result of this unforeseen event, we believe we will be unable to recover or return the flight capsules onboard," the company wrote.

"We share the families' disappointment and offer our sincere gratitude for their trust . While many successful milestones were achieved (launch, orbit, and controlled reentry), this was the first Celestis mission designed to return from orbit, and we recognize the courage and ambition it took from everyone involved," the company wrote, admitting that "no technical achievement replaces the profound personal significance this service holds" for the affected families.

The firm detailed in the statement signed by co-founder and CEO Charles M. Chafer that it will contact each family individually in the coming days to offer support and discuss possible next steps .

"Although we currently believe we cannot return the flight capsules, we hope the families find peace in knowing their loved ones were part of a historic journey, launched into space, orbited the Earth, and are now laid to rest in the vastness of the Pacific , as if in a traditional and honorable dispersal at sea. We remain committed to serving with transparency, compassion, and care," he emphasized.