A “Bone Voyage”: Family Dog’s Ashes Launched to Space
In a truly cosmic farewell, the ashes of a beloved yellow Labrador named Franz are set to journey into Earth’s orbit. The loyal companion, who was like a sibling to his human family, is taking his final “leap” as part of a unique space burial service. This poignant tribute underscores the profound bond between humans and their canine companions, a connection so deep it inspires extraordinary gestures, whether it’s creating a bucket list for a senior dog or sending a cherished pet’s remains beyond the stratosphere.
The Perseverance Flight: A New Frontier for Memorials
Franz’s ashes are aboard the inaugural Perseverance Flight organized by Texas-based company Celestis Inc. Scheduled for launch this weekend from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara, California, the mission utilizes a 23-foot-tall SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a precious cargo: 166 small titanium and aluminum capsules. Each capsule, approximately a quarter to a half-inch in size, contains cremated remains or DNA from various individuals and pets, including Franz.
The rocket will embark on a roughly three-hour journey, completing two orbits around Earth at an incredible speed of about 17,000 mph. Following its orbital dance, the Falcon 9 will re-enter the atmosphere and splash down in the Pacific Ocean between Alaska and Hawaii. A dedicated recovery ship is tasked with locating and retrieving the rocket and its special payload.
Once recovered, the capsules will be transported for processing and then distributed back to participating families within approximately two months.
A Fitting Tribute for a Space-Loving Family
For the Moore family of Dripping Springs, Texas, sending Franz’s ashes to space felt like a perfect, albeit pricey, tribute. The “space-fanatic” family readily embraced the $3,500 cost for the unique voyage. Owner Harvin Moore, 60, fondly remembers Franz, who passed away at age 13 in October 2020, as the “best dog, just so soft and nice and loved hugs.” He emphasized that Franz was more than just a pet; he was integral to the family, particularly close to Moore’s now 26-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, and 21-year-old son, Quinn.
The decision reflects the deep emotional connection many families share with their pets. Just as older dogs may face health challenges and require significant care, sometimes involving difficult decisions about quality of life, the end of a pet’s life leaves a void that families seek meaningful ways to honor. Sending Franz to space transforms grief into a celebratory, awe-inspiring event.
From Grief to Galactic Joy
Celestis CEO and co-founder Charles Chafer highlights the emotional impact of the service. He notes that for many participants, the flight fulfills a lifelong dream of space travel they couldn’t achieve themselves. More significantly, the experience helps families navigate the grieving process, shifting from sadness towards a sense of peace and even joy.
Harvin Moore echoed this sentiment, describing the shared experience with other families at the launch as “amazing” and something they will “never forget.” The collective celebration of loved ones taking flight underscores the profound and lasting impact pets have on our lives. The Moore family eagerly anticipates witnessing Franz’s galactic journey.
Franz isn’t the only notable passenger. The flight also carries the cremated remains of Wesley Dreyer, an aerospace engineer who investigated the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, and DNA from a young German boy. This diverse manifest reflects the varied reasons families choose a celestial memorial.
