3 minute read
From Earth to Eternity
When Dawn Amore thinks of her late mother, Enrica Pizzorusso Amore, ’65, M.A. ’71, she often looks to the sky. “I can truly say she’s in the heavens,” says Dawn, reflecting on her mother’s final voyage — a memorial spaceflight launched on Jan. 8, 2024, from Cape Canaveral, Fla., into deep space.
Spaceflight memorials, which carry DNA and cremated remains of loved ones, were first offered by Celestis, a company based in Houston, in 1997. But the Enterprise Flight, which is ferrying the DNA and ashes of about 200 people, including Enrica, is particularly unique. For the first time, all are slated to travel beyond the Earth-Moon System and the James Webb Space Telescope, into interplanetary deep space on a never-ending journey through the cosmos.
A former longtime educator, Enrica Amore died in 2019 at age 75 from a heart attack. It was unexpected, says Dawn, and planning a funeral was challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrica was cremated. Years later, the memorial spaceflight offered a fitting way to honor Enrica. “My mom loved traveling, and she believed travel was the best way to learn,” says Dawn.
Enrica taught social studies at Michael J. Whalen Junior High School. American history was her passion, particularly the U.S. Colonial Period. “Her favorite presidents were George Washington and John F. Kennedy,” says Dawn, noting that DNA from both presidents is traveling on the flight as well. “It was clearly meant for her,” she says. (DNA from Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry as well as original cast members also is on board, another welcome connection for the franchise fan.)
The experience surpassed the family’s hopes. They may continue to view the flight track on a live online feed.
The launch — which Dawn likens to seeing the Star of Bethlehem “cruising up to the heavens” — was spectacular. They watched the night flight from a nearby park located a safe distance from the launch pad. Dawn initially was disappointed, fearing low visibility.
“But it turns out that a night flight is the absolute best,” she says. She recalls waiting in complete darkness for liftoff. “It’s like daybreak when the rocket ship takes off,” she says, of the full-sensory experience. “Because light travels faster than sound, you first see it, and then you hear it, then you feel it,” she says.
The gathered families broke into spontaneous cheering. It’s not the usual response at a memorial, but it was perfect, says Dawn: “As the rocket went up, I felt a sense of peace and solace I wasn’t expecting.”
— By Villia Struyk
