‘Permanent memorial’ will be created on the moon as rocket carrying remains of 330 people is due to launch

A rocket will be launched into space carrying the remains of a number of famous people.

The expedition aims to create a ‘permanent memorial’ in space, with some of the remains being dropped on the Moon while the rest are taken out into outer space.

Scheduled to launch on January 8 at 2.18am, the rocket is a project by Texas-based company Celestis.

The DNA samples and cremations will be carried in capsules made of titanium and measuring 1/4 and 1/2 inch.

When the rocket takes off it will be carrying 330 sets of remains, of which 62 will be dropped on the Moon.

These will descend in a six-foot-tall and eight-foot-wide device contraption called the Peregrine Lunar Lander.

The remaining 268 capsules will be carried off into outer space where they will continue to orbit the Sun.

For the service, prices range from a few thousand dollars to a staggering $13,000.

Among those on board are the symbolic remains of US presidents, including those of George Washington, JFK, and Dwight D Eisenhower.