Rocket Blasts Satellites, Remains Of 30 People Into Space

The ashes of 30 people were launched into orbit Tuesday aboard a rocket that also carried three satellites.

The top stage of the Taurus rocket carried a quarter-ounce of each person’s cremated remains in lipstick-sized capsules prepared by Celestis Inc.

In April, the Houston-based company sent some ashes of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry and 1960s drug guru Timothy Leary into space.

The latest remains included those of a 15-year-old boy from the Netherlands and a couple whose ashes were mixed together.

They could remain in a orbit up to a decade before the rocket stage burns up in the atmosphere.

The cost was $4,800 per person.

The following fields overflowed: DATELINE = VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF.