Ashes into Space – emulate Hunter S Thompson and Star Trek’s Scotty by having your ashes shot into the skies in a firework

A SPECTACULAR final journey that will see your ashes shot up into the sky in a firework is now available at New Forest Crematorium.

People have the chance to emulate famous author Hunter S Thompson and Star Trek’s Scotty, who chose this unique way to ‘scatter’ their remains.

Westerleigh Group, which runs the crematorium, has joined up with Aura Flights to offer two new options for the disposal of cremated remains.

The Memorial Launch involves ashes being loaded inside a ‘scatter vessel’, which is fired up to 100,000 feet above ground.

At this height the ashes are released in a “gentle cascade”, spending up to six months orbiting the globe.

When they re-enter the atmosphere they become part of clouds and fall back to earth as raindrops and snowflakes.

The ascent of the firework and the release of the ashes is captured on video for relatives to view.

A Voyager package involves a “ceremonial portion” of a loved one’s remains traveling into space before being returned to loved ones in a miniature urn.

New Forest Crematorium manager Graeme Horobin said: “Aura Flights offer something that is truly out of this world.

“For centuries, man has looked up at the stars and dreamed of going into space; while few of us ever get to do this during our lifetimes, there is now the option to travel into space for your final journey.

“Families will receive a personalised memorial video showing their loved one’s among the stars.”

Samantha Richardson, of Aura Flights, said: ““From the moment we started talking about a collaboration, they saw how special a space scattering can be and their focus is always on supporting the bereaved throughout their journey, which I really admire.”

To celebrate the launch of the partnership between the two companies, there is a 10% discount on purchases made between 3rd and 31st July.

To find out more, visit www.newforestcrematorium.co.uk/ashes-in-space