On the Night of Tanabata 2026, the Ashes of 8 Individuals and Cherished Memories Launched into Space: SPACE NTK's 'MAGOKORO No.3' Successfully Launched by SpaceX Falcon 9

Footage just before rocket launch

SPACE NTK, which operates the 'Universe SOH (Send, Think, Deliver, Play)' service to carry human remains and cherished memories into space for future generations, successfully launched the third iteration of its 'MAGOKORO' satellite on July 7, 2026, at 00:12 AM Pacific Time (USA).

The MAGOKORO satellite launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket as part of the small satellite rideshare mission 'Transporter-17'.

This mission carried the precious ashes of 8 individuals, along with irreplaceable personal items entrusted by their families and loved ones. These include DNA samples (a few strands of hair, several baby teeth from children in Taiwan), message cards, audio recordings of singing (on three SD cards), a guitar pick, and children's drawings (on postcards).

Inside a cleanroom, precious items entrusted by families are being loaded into the satellite

On the night of Tanabata, launching from Earth to space

The launch date was July 7, 2026.

This date marks Tanabata, the annual festival when, according to legend, the celestial lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi reunite across the Milky Way.

As Falcon 9 powerfully ascended, illuminating the quiet night sky of California,

it carried forward the proof of eight lives, along with the prayers, gratitude, love, and heartfelt wishes of their families: 'Please watch over us from space.'

Parting with a loved one does not mean their presence disappears.

Even when they are no longer visible, the time spent together, the words exchanged, and the love received continue to live on in the hearts of those left behind.

SPACE NTK believes that these invisible yet precious connections should be carried into the vastness of space.

'When people pass away, they become stars.'

This phrase has long served as a source of comfort for many during times of loss.

Whenever we look up at the night sky, we may feel: 'They might be somewhere among those stars,' or 'They might still be watching over us.'

SPACE NTK's Universe SOH initiative aims to turn this sentiment from mere imagery into reality—by physically sending ashes, messages, and mementos into space, creating a new sacred space for families to hold their prayers.

Countdown has begun

The 'SOH' in Universe SOH carries four meanings:

'Sō' (葬) – Sending a loved one into space. 'Sō' (想) – Entrusting feelings for the deceased and their families to space. 'Sō' (送) – Delivering what we wish to preserve for the future into space. 'Sō' (奏) – Letting songs and music resonate in space.

Beyond ashes, the company aims to send messages, photos, hair, DNA, voice recordings, music, and other personal items—tailored to each individual's life and memories.

A mission made possible by many

The launch of MAGOKORO No.3 was not achieved by SPACE NTK alone.

It was made possible through the support, understanding, and dedication of SpaceX, Maverick Space Systems, other domestic and international aerospace companies, engineers, partner firms, and countless individuals who believed in and supported SPACE NTK's mission.

The path to launch involved numerous schedule changes and complex coordination.

Yet, those who entrusted their most precious memories to MAGOKORO remained faithful to this mission until the very end.

Through the connection of each of these heartfelt intentions, MAGOKORO successfully embarked on its journey into space on the night of Tanabata.

We offer our deepest gratitude.

Falcon 9 rocket ascending into the sky

Statement from Tomoko Kasai, CEO of SPACE NTK

"The moment I saw Falcon 9 rising into the night sky, I recalled our journey and the faces of those who entrusted their loved ones to MAGOKORO.

This time, we were able to successfully send the ashes of 8 individuals and the heartfelt emotions of many into space.

I also feel a deep sense of connection in launching on the special day of Tanabata.

The grief of losing a loved one does not disappear immediately. But I believe there may be moments when, looking up at the night sky, people can feel 'They are still watching over us from space,' and that this thought may bring some comfort to their hearts.

SPACE NTK aims to make space not a place only for the privileged, but a place where anyone can remember their loved ones and send their hopes into the future.

We sincerely thank everyone who supported this mission."

Next launch scheduled for late 2027

SPACE NTK plans to launch the next MAGOKORO satellite in late 2027.

Moving forward, we will continue to offer space-based services tailored to each individual's life and emotions, including 'Universe Funeral' (sending ashes), 'Universe Thought' (sending messages and DNA), 'Universe Delivery' (sending cherished items and memorabilia), and 'Universe Play' (sending songs and music).

In addition to individual clients, we welcome joint projects and business partnerships with funeral homes, temples, cemeteries, sea scattering service providers, wedding and funeral service companies, local governments, corporations, schools, and artists.

Interview with the CEO and COO of Maverick Space Systems, the U.S. company that developed the satellite

About SPACE NTK

SPACE NTK operates the 'Universe SOH (Send, Think, Deliver, Play)' service, rooted in the belief that 'when people pass away, they become stars,' aiming to carry people's prayers, memories, love, and dreams into the future through space.

We strive to support those who cherish their loved ones by proposing space as a new place for memorial, remembrance, inheritance, and hope.

[Company Name] SPACE NTK [Representative] CEO Tomoko Kasai [Business] Universe SOH services, including Universe Funeral, Universe Thought, Universe Delivery, Universe Play, and space-related planning and services [Official Website] https://space-ntk.com/

Inquiries

SPACE NTK CEO Tomoko Kasai Email: ntkkndl@gmail.com Website: https://space-ntk.com/