Imagine the physical and mental rush of climbing the Himalayas, which boasts Earth’s iciest, tallest peaks. Imagine the excitement of traversing the world’s seas by ship and experiencing the world’s diverse cultures during one incredible journey.
Now, imagine you are traversing the cosmic sea, deep space – on a similar journey alongside hundreds of other brave passengers from different walks of life. Celestis Memorial Spaceflights’ Enterprise Flight – the world’s first journey establishing a permanent outpost of humanity in deep space – borrows this idea from science fiction and will make it science reality when United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan-Centaur launch vehicle lifts off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. And they’re making it accessible to everyone.
Following the launch of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, the Enterprise Flight will travel aboard a high-energy Centaur upper stage 150 to 300 million kilometres into deep space beyond the Earth-Moon system. Upon reaching its ultimate trajectory and entering a stable orbit around the Sun, Enterprise Flight will be renamed Enterprise Station, becoming humankind’s first outpost in deep space. It’s a “trip” like none other.
Through Celestis, people from all over the world and all walks of life can affordably participate in real-life space missions in real-time. They can do this in various ways due to the different services Celestis offers. For the Enterprise Flight, Celestis will launch over 150 flight capsules containing cremated remains (ashes), messages of greetings, and DNA samples from clients worldwide on an endless journey into interplanetary space. The inclusion of DNA samples means that those interested in flying in deep space can do so, regardless of burial disposition; therefore, everyone has the capability of making a “forever” spaceflight.
In addition, launch guests will be treated to a three-day pre-launch event for the ages. The Enterprise experience will begin with a tour of Merritt Island, Florida’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the home of NASA’s historic Apollo and Space Shuttle missions, and will end with the spectacular launch of the Enterprise Flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This launch also marks the first flight of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, the company’s newest heavy-lift launch vehicle. It will be a cannot-miss event for space enthusiasts and newbies alike.
“Participating in, and attending, the launch and journey to deep space of the Enterprise Flight, offers the global, discerning, adventure traveller a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of a truly historic space mission,” said Charles M. Chafer, Co-Founder and CEO of Celestis, Inc. “This one-of-a-kind adventure will appeal to explorers, those seeking a unique experience, and all who wish to journey to the farthest reaches of human endeavour.”
On this historic mission, Celestis will be honouring Star Trek®’s creator Gene Roddenberry, his wife and “The First Lady of Star Trek®” Majel Barrett Roddenberry, beloved Star Trek® actor James “Scotty” Doohan, and Hollywood director and VFX maestro Douglas Trumbull among other icons, making this a once-in-a-lifetime Star Trek® reunion flight. In addition, former NASA astronaut – and first ever Australian-American astronaut – Dr Philip Chapman will be flying aboard Enterprise.
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