Aura Flights

Aura Flights: stratospheric memorials from Sheffield

Aura Flights, which also operates under the brand Ashes In Space, is a company based in Sheffield (UK) specialising in scattering ashes in the stratosphere. Since 2017 it has conducted flights that have released hundreds of passengers into the stratospheric winds. The company is a trading name of Sent Into Space Ltd. and works with Sent Into Space, a near-space launch firm, to guarantee the safety and quality of the process.

How the service works

Each passenger travels in their own scatter vessel, lifted by biodegradable balloons filled with renewable hydrogen. Once above 100,000 feet, the patented intelligent vessel releases the ashes in a gentle cascade that the stratospheric winds carry around the world. Over a period of three to six months, the ashes descend into the lower atmosphere and return to Earth as raindrops or snowflakes, becoming part of nature again. The ascent and release are captured by onboard cameras to create a personalised memorial video.

Options for individuals and professionals

The service is designed for those seeking an extraordinary memorial. In addition to individual scattering, the company allows couples and pets to be commemorated, and offers the possibility of planning one's own final launch with financing options. Aura Flights also works with funeral homes and crematoriums: according to its presentation, it has representation in more than 1,000 UK funeral homes and maintains a five-star record on Trustpilot. The company states it turned down an investment offer from Deborah Meaden on the programme Dragons' Den in order to develop the service according to its own criteria.

Safety and environmental commitment

The company highlights that its launches incorporate climate simulation systems, live-tracking technology and regulatory compliance to guarantee the safety of both passengers and the public. Environmentally, it uses renewable hydrogen as lift gas, biodegradable balloons and planet-friendly manufacturing methods, and applies conservation criteria at every stage, from manufacturing to recovery.

Personal care and philosophy

Aura Flights describes itself as a people-first company and rejects the use of chatbots, so clients maintain direct contact with the customer care team throughout the process. The company name refers to the concept of aura as a distinctive quality that emanates from a person or place, and to its Greek origin related to breath or gentle breeze; the company links this idea to the Earth's atmosphere and to the possibility of remembering loved ones when looking at the sky.

Publications and resources

The website includes articles on topics such as World Space Week and sustainability, the fate of ashes scattered in space and participation in the National Funeral Exhibition (NFE) organised by the NAFD. It also offers the possibility of requesting an information brochure.

Location and contact

Unit 3a, Parkway Rise Sheffield S9 4WQ UK · Email: info@auraflights.com