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.”
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.
“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.
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.”