Navajo Nation Objects to Human Remains Aboard Lunar Mission, Deeming It Desecration
Article: The Astrobotic Technology’s Peregrine moon lander has embarked on a journey to the moon, aiming for a lunar surface touch down in February. However, this mission has come under scrutiny from leaders of the Navajo Nation, who consider the inclusion of human remains in the lander’s payload as equivalent to desecration. An update on January 8 reveals that, following its launch, the Peregrine spacecraft encountered technical difficulties that might jeopardize its lunar mission.
The historic launch, facilitated by United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) new Vulcan Centaur rocket, marks the first-ever private lunar lander en route to the moon since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. The Peregrine Mission One lander, crafted by Astrobotic Technology, is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which leverages American companies to transport cargo to the moon.
The lander’s payload is diverse, ranging from devices for upcoming Artemis missions to scientific experiments, a rover, cryptocurrency products, and commemorative plaques. Notably, Celestis and Elysium Space have included cremated human remains, or “cremains,” in the lander, raising concerns from Indigenous groups like the Navajo Nation, for whom the moon holds spiritual significance.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, in an open letter to NASA and the U.S. Department of Transportation, expressed that landing human remains on the moon is deemed disrespectful and a form of desecration of their sacred space. Nygren called for a delay in the launch to discuss the matter, emphasizing the lack of consultation with the Navajo Nation prior to the launch.
NASA argues that, as a commercially run mission, it cannot be held responsible for the contents sent by other companies. The CLPS program manager, Chris Culbert, stated that commercial missions’ approval process doesn’t run through NASA, emphasizing the autonomy of these missions.
Astrobotic Technology contends that the remains sent to the moon will not violate any regulations, as they will remain within the lander and not touch the lunar surface. Celestis’ CEO, Charles Chafer, defends the mission, rejecting the notion of desecration and asserting that individual religious beliefs should not dictate space missions.
Despite the controversy, NASA announced that the Biden administration plans to meet with Navajo Nation leaders to address concerns about future CLPS missions involving human remains.