Space: the final frontier… and quite possibly the trickiest place to handle a funeral. We’ve all seen sci-fi movies where a crew member floats off into the void, never to be seen again. But what really happens if an astronaut passes away in space?

So, What’s the Plan?

NASA and other space agencies don’t talk about it much (probably because it’s not great PR), but they do have contingency plans. On the International Space Station (ISS), if an astronaut were to pass away, their body would be secured in a specialized bag and stored in a cool area until the next scheduled return to Earth. Basically, space Tupperware.

For future Mars missions, things get a little trickier. A return trip could take years, so scientists have debated everything from deep-freezing bodies to sending them on a one-way trip into space. Sounds wild, but when you’re millions of kilometres from home, you have to get creative.

The risks of space travel were recently highlighted when Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore found themselves stranded in space for months due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner. Luckily, they made it back safely—but imagine if they hadn’t. That’s why space agencies are constantly reviewing and updating their emergency plans, because when you’re that far from home, you need a backup plan.

Planning for the Inevitable (On Earth, At Least!)

While most of us won’t be hopping on a spaceship anytime soon, one thing is universal—we all need to plan for the inevitable. That’s where Dollar Insurance comes in. For just $1 a day, you can have Funeral Insurance that helps cover the cost of a proper send-off, whether it’s a traditional service or a space-themed tribute (zero gravity optional).

No paperwork, no medical checks, just simple, affordable coverage to give you peace of mind. Because whether you’re exploring the cosmos or just the local supermarket, it pays to be prepared.

Check out Dollar Insurance today—funeral cover that’s as easy as launching a rocket, minus the whole ‘rocket’ part!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and seek independent financial advice, if required, to ensure an insurance product is suitable for you.

Any product information is correct at the time this article was published. For current product information, please visit the Dollar Insurance website.