In a recent press conference, the Navajo Nation conveyed their strong disapproval towards NASA's plans to place human remains on the moon. The Navajo President, Buu Nygren, addressed the issue, stating that such an act would be a profound desecration of the celestial body, which holds great reverence for their people.

According to Nygren, NASA's decision to proceed with the launch of the Vulcan Centaur on January 8, carrying around 250 capsules of human ashes destined for the lunar surface, disregards past agreements and promises of respect and consultation between the agency and the Navajo Nation. This follows previous discussions that took place after the Lunar Prospector mission in 1998.

The Navajo Nation had already expressed their concerns in a letter submitted to NASA and the Department of Transportation on December 21. The Native American tribe specifically voiced their discontent with the involvement of memorial service companies Celestis and Elysium Space in the deposit of remains.

Navajo leaders argue that NASA has turned its back on its promise to consult with native leaders when considering memorial flights, especially those that may involve the scattering of human ashes on sacred lands. The launch is being carried out by a private company, with NASA's assistance and oversight.

The Navajo Nation firmly believes that the moon holds as much cultural and spiritual significance for them as it does for others. They emphasize that their concerns and traditions should be respected and taken into account.

Notably, among the individuals whose ashes are scheduled to be transported to the moon are Star Trek actors Nichelle Nichols, DeForest Kelley, and James Doohan, along with series creator Gene Roddenberry and his wife, Majel Barrett.

President Nygren has persistently urged for the launch to be postponed and for consultations to begin immediately to address the matter. He emphasizes that both NASA and the Department of Transportation should have engaged in consultations with Indigenous tribes prior to contracting or issuing payload certificates for missions involving the transport of human remains to the moon.

As of now, NASA has not responded to the Navajo Nation's grievances. The situation continues to strain the relationship between the tribe and the space agency, as discussions surrounding the importance of cultural respect and consultation remain unresolved.