European Spacecraft Embarks on Historic Launch with 150 Human Remains: A Groundbreaking Journey and Its Skyrocketing Costs – Insights from Supercar Blondie

The Exploration Company’s spacecraft, Nyx, was introduced at the Paris Air Show on June 16, 2025. For now, it will carry various interesting items instead of astronauts. This includes 300 kilograms of goods like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, along with over 150 flight capsules containing cremated remains and DNA samples. These capsules are part of a unique service for people who fancy a cosmic memorial instead of a traditional burial.

Nyx, with a weight of 1.6 tons and a diameter of 2.5 meters, is set to launch on SpaceX’s Transporter-14. It will orbit Earth for about three hours before splashing down into the Pacific Ocean. To prepare for any emergencies, NASA has been practicing astronaut ocean rescues recently.

The spacecraft aims to provide a space for remembrance and is part of a growing trend in space-related services. According to a survey by *Space.com*, 25% of people are considering space funerals as a viable option in the future. This shift highlights how our views on life and death might evolve with advancements in technology.

Nyx is currently being developed for cargo missions, with a planned demonstration flight to the International Space Station (ISS) scheduled for 2028. Future versions will have four to five astronauts aboard, though space might be tight. The crewed versions will feature upgraded interiors and modern controls, similar to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, aiming to enhance the space travel experience.

The financial costs of developing Nyx are substantial. A fully operational crewed spacecraft might take a decade to complete and could cost around €1 billion ($1.15 billion). This level of investment often necessitates backing from European governments and organizations like the European Space Agency (ESA). The Exploration Company is seeking crucial support during the ESA ministerial conference in Bremen this November, which they are calling a pivotal moment for European human spaceflight.

Although the Exploration Company’s first test, ‘Mission Bikini’, didn’t go as planned due to a launch malfunction in 2024, there remains a hopeful outlook for Nyx’s future missions.

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