Ashes in Space – And a Tax Break? Only in America…
Every now and then a story pops up that feels so outlandish you assume it must be a spoof. This was one of them. I ignored it the first few times it flashed across my screen — we receive some creative press releases — but no… this one was absolutely real.
Under a Bill proposed by Delegate Terry G. Kilgore, the Commonwealth of Virginia would have offered an income-tax credit of up to $8,000 to anyone arranging to have their ashes launched into outer space.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Why on Earth (or above it) Would They Do This?
It turns out there’s something of a space-industry arms race between certain US states. Florida, New Mexico, and California all have spaceports and have been pushing commercial space services hard — especially since NASA dramatically reduced its own launch budget.
States want the economic boost. Companies want the business. And space-burials (or more accurately, space-memorial launches) are a niche but growing market. Virginia clearly fancied its slice of the cosmic pie.
The Small Print (There’s Always Small Print)
Two catches, naturally:
The launch had to take place from Wallops Island, Virginia, the state’s own spaceport.
The tax incentive was time-limited, scheduled to expire in 2020.
The proposal attracted headlines but, like many state-level bills, didn’t progress into a long-term incentive programme.
Environmental Footnote
Much as I admire the American entrepreneurial spirit, launching even tiny capsules into space is not the most environmentally gentle option. It’s usually only a symbolic amount of ashes — a few grams — with the remainder retained for a more traditional ceremony.
What About UK Residents?
UK residents wouldn’t have qualified for the tax break even if it had gone ahead, but ashes-to-space memorials are absolutely available here.
A couple of points worth noting:
Most space memorial flights involve sending a small portion of the ashes beyond the atmosphere.
You can arrange UK-based high-altitude launches that reach the stratosphere rather than orbit — far less carbon-intensive and often far more affordable.
If families like the idea of symbolic “return to the heavens” gestures, there are also balloon scatter, stratospheric release, and aerial tribute options.
We work with reputable UK partners who offer dignified space-themed memorials without the need to travel to the States.
If a family wants something spectacular, meaningful and scientifically fascinating, space memorials can be a beautiful choice — provided they understand the process and the environmental considerations.
Final Note – Space Burial! Really, that is the same nonsense as a Water Cremation – it makes no sense? Space Funeral … that would be better surely?