Latest news with #CharlesM.Chafer
News18
07-07-2025
- Science
- News18
Space Capsule With Cannabis Seeds, Ashes Of 166 People Crashes Into The Ocean
After launch, the capsule entered Earth's orbit and completed two rounds. All instruments worked fine, but contact was lost just minutes before its re-entry into the atmosphere In a tragic turn of events, German aerospace startup The Exploration Company (TEC) has announced the failure of its ambitious Mission Possible. Launched on June 23, the mission aimed to return safely after orbiting the Earth twice with the ashes of 166 people and some hemp seeds. However, the capsule, named Nyx, sank into the Pacific Ocean upon its return to Earth. The mission was designed by Texas-based space burial company Celestis, who envisioned not just sending the ashes into space but bringing them back to Earth as a symbolic gesture. After launch, the capsule successfully reached Earth's orbit and completed two orbits, with all onboard instruments functioning properly. However, contact was lost just minutes before its scheduled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. It was expected to land safely in the Pacific Ocean, but TEC later confirmed that the capsule had crashed directly into the ocean. No parts or ashes could be recovered. In addition to the human ashes, the capsule contained marijuana seeds as part of the Martian Grow Project, a citizen science mission to explore the feasibility of growing marijuana on Mars. Unfortunately, these seeds are now buried deep in the ocean. Celestis co-founder Charles M. Chafer expressed deep sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the grief of the families involved in the mission. He praised their courage and highlighted the historical significance of their participation. Despite the mission's failure, he said the fact that the ashes of 166 people orbited the Earth remains a respectable achievement. TEC has also recognised the technical shortcomings of the mission but emphasised the valuable lessons learned. The company has committed to launching similar missions in the future, aiming to achieve safe 'return space burials' and chart a new direction in the coming times. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: July 07, 2025, 12:10 IST
India Today
07-07-2025
- Science
- India Today
Where are the dead? Remains of 166 people sent to space lost in the ocean
A space memorial mission that aimed to send the remains of 166 people into orbit ended in disappointment and loss, after the capsule carrying the ashes crashed into the Pacific Ocean and became mission, a collaboration between Houston-based space burial company Celestis and European partner The Exploration Company, was part of SpaceX's Transporter 14 rideshare launch on June 23, flight, named the Perseverance Flight, was designed to offer families a unique cosmic tribute, sending cremated remains and DNA samples into low Earth orbit, where they would circle the planet before re-entering the atmosphere and splashing down for recovery. This was to be Celestis' 25th mission and its 12th 'Earth Rise' flight, a service that allows families to retrieve a keepsake that has truly travelled through the memorial took a tragic turn when the capsule failed to complete its planned return and instead plunged into the depths of the confirmed that the remains are now lost at sea and cannot be recovered. 'No technical achievement replaces the profound personal meaning this service holds for our families,' said Celestis CEO Charles M. Chafer, acknowledging the emotional weight of the mission carried a diverse array of tributes, including ashes and DNA from people around the world, and even honored the youngest German to send his DNA into space, Matteo the years, Celestis has sent the remains of celebrities, scientists, and ordinary individuals into space, offering a new way to memorialise loved ones beyond Earth's the setback, The Exploration Company has vowed to learn from the experience and attempt another launch in the loss highlights both the promise and the risks of space memorial services, which have grown in popularity as more families seek extraordinary ways to commemorate their loved now, the remains of those aboard the Perseverance Flight rest at the bottom of the Pacific.- Ends
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.'
