Does the scattering of a loved one's ashes need to somehow reflect the type of person they were? Traditionally, a special spot is chosen. When the deceased didn't specify a specific location for the scattering, their family might choose a place they knew was special to their loved one, or simply a picturesque spot that seems appropriate. Perhaps your loved one was a science fiction aficionado and spent their life looking to the stars, wondering what was out there. Now that they're no longer with you, it's possible for them to finally explore the stars, in a manner of speaking.

Into Deep Space

When Majel Barret, the widow of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, passed away, her final wishes specified what was to happen to her cremated ashes. A small sample of her ashes, along with those of her husband, are to be sealed inside a spaceflight-ready container before being stored on a commercial rocket intended for deep space. The vessel will blast off and fly into the unknown, where Barret and Roddenberry will go on a star trek of their own. This is not a special service intended to honor the creator of an iconic television show and his wife (who appeared in various episodes of the franchise), and anyone can participate. However, such a service is rather expensive.

Into Orbit

A spaceflight of a shorter duration is more affordable, although still not the most cost-effective option. There are commercial rockets available that will transport ashes into orbit, where they will circle the earth until the spacecraft is pulled into the atmosphere, where it will burn up. Whether it's a deep space voyage to parts unknown, or just above the earth, the entirety of your loved one's ashes will not be transported. The ashes that are produced by cremation will weigh approximately five pounds, so only a small amount will be allowed for spaceflight. This means you will need to decide what to do with the rest of the ashes, whether they're retained or scattered elsewhere.

Into the Sky

A far more cost-effective option that allows your loved one to blast off is customized fireworks. There are a number of companies that offer this service, where a small amount of your loved one's ashes are combined with the combustible powder inside fireworks. This allows you and your family members to come together for a symbolic farewell, watching your loved one fly away before becoming a beautiful flash of light in the sky.

When your loved one couldn't get enough science fiction, sending them upwards into the great unknown can feel like a suitable outcome for their ashes.

For more information about cremation, contact a local funeral home, like Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel.