From Viking’s First Steps on Mars to the Next Chapter of Exploration

In 1976, the Viking missions became the first spacecraft to successfully land on Mars.

Those missions were made possible by the launch systems led by Andrew “Andy” Stofan, who oversaw the Titan/Centaur program responsible for sending Viking to the Red Planet.

Today, Celestis builds on that same legacy of exploration.

We are honored to carry forward Andrew “Andy” Stofan’s contributions to spaceflight by including him aboard our upcoming Serenity Flight, and as a participant in our future Mars 300 mission.

His journey—from enabling humanity’s first steps on Mars to becoming part of its next chapter—embodies the continuity of exploration that defines this mission.

We’ve Been Part of This Story

Celestis has flown memorial spaceflights for over 30 years.

Now, for the first time, we are connected directly to one of the individuals who helped humanity reach Mars.

Andrew “Andy” Stofan

NASA Launch Vehicles Director

  • Led Titan/Centaur program

  • Oversaw Viking Mars missions

  • Supported Voyager & Pioneer

  • Advanced Centaur rocket systems

  • Later led NASA center through major transformation

Celestis Has Proudly Been Featured On

Mars300

ABOUT THE MISSION

Andrew “Andy” Stofan will take part in the future Celestis Mars300 memorial spaceflight, continuing a legacy tied to humanity’s first steps on the Red Planet. Through Mars300, you may also participate, by sending a symbolic portion of cremated remains or DNA on a journey to Mars with Celestis.

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News

Celestis Mars300 on Space.com

This company wants to be the 1st to launch human remains to Mars. Will it ever get there?

Read on Space.com
News

Mars300 Feature on Guinness World Records

When he spoke with GWR in an interview, Charles discussed how our changing society and technology has expanded access to the final frontier, so much so that the company has announced a Mars expedition (dubbed Mars300) in the near future.

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Feature

Andrew "Andy" Stofan in the NASA Glenn Research Center Hall of Fame

Andrew (Andy) Stofan made significant contributions to the center and agency in three distinct capacities, researcher, program manager and center director.

Read More at NASA.com

Become Part of the First 300 Human Memorials on Mars

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Hear From Celestis Families

Send Ashes or DNA

Celestis offers two ways to take part in a journey beyond Earth — a symbolic portion of cremated remains or a preserved DNA sample. Each is secured within a precision-engineered flight capsule and integrated into a real space mission, carrying your legacy toward the future of exploration.

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