The DNA of four former presidents is set to be blasted off into the cosmos as the ultimate memorial.
Celestis, a leading company in space burials, is taking the helm on the project to honor George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan sending their genetic information to space aboard its Enterprise Flight.
Some of pop culture's favorite space travelers from Star Trek are also to be honored: Gene Roddenberry, Majel Barrett Rodenberry, Nichelle Nichols, and more. The 2001: A Space Odyssey VFX master Douglas Trumbull's remains will also be making the trip.
"Beyond establishing the first human outpost in deep space, the answers are rooted in possible discovery and off-world genetic and data storage," the company wrote in a blog post.
The rocket is expected to carry the collected DNA to deep space — about 93 million miles to 186 million miles away from Earth, and the company said part of their goal for the launch of the remains is to expand the presence of humanity throughout the cosmos.
"The overarching goal of Celestis is to assist human expansion throughout the solar system. By adding the DNA of these American icons to Enterprise, we establish a precursor for future human missions, and add to the historical record of human exploration of deep space," said Charles M. Chafer, co-founder and CEO of Celestis.
Glacier CEO Rebecca Hu-Thrams explains how AI-powered robots are making recycling smarter, reducing landfill waste, and transforming the future of waste.
Deep Fission CEO Liz Muller discusses underground nuclear reactors, powering AI, cutting energy costs, and why the future of clean power may be below ground.
Adidas shares how FIFA World Cup 2026 will drive innovation, fan engagement, and billions in opportunity with new gear, technology, and business strategy.
Kristian Kerr, Head of Macro Strategy at LPL Financial, breaks down the firm's 2026 Mid-Year Outlook, recession risks, AI, the Fed, and what's next for markets.
Jess Inskip, Director of Investor Research at StockBrokers.com, breaks down Q2, the AI trade, Fed policy, earnings, and where investors should look next.
Quantum computing is moving from science fiction to national strategy. Infleqtion CEO Matt Kinsella explains Trump's new executive order and what it means.
Americans traveled in record numbers over July 4th despite rising costs. Skift's Sarah Kopit explains what it says about consumers, airfares, and summer travel.
