Help Fulfill Matthew’s Final Wish: A Journey Into Deep Space
On September 11, 2025, we lost Matthew David Johnston far too soon. He was only 37 years old.
Matthew served honorably in the United States Air Force and went on to dedicate many years as an imagery analyst at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. His life’s work was focused on space, imagery, and the vastness beyond our world.
Matthew often spoke of his dream that, when the time came, his ashes would be carried into the cosmos. Deep space represented both his career and his spirit.
We want to make that dream a reality. The cost to send Matthew’s ashes into deep space is $15,000, and I am humbly asking for help to make this possible.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to honoring Matthew’s wish and giving him the extraordinary memorial he imagined. If you cannot give, please consider sharing this page so his story and his dream can reach others.
Thank you for helping us launch Matthew on his final journey — beyond the edge of the world, into the stars.
As part of the memorial, the space flight company will provide a video of the launch, as well as access to the launch itself for anyone who would like to participate. If interested, please let me know, I would be honored to share Matthew’s final journey with you.*
*Please note: the space launch will take place 2nd quarter of 2026. We will not know the exact date until a few weeks prior as it is highly calculated and weather dependent
Update 9/30/2025
Thank you to all who have donated so far. We have raised enough money to send Matthew to space where he will orbit the earth for several months to a few years. If we raise enough to send him to deep space we can still upgrade until November 15, 2025. Thank you for your kindness and support. For more information about Celestis (the space launch service) please visit https://www.celestis.com
Organizer
Emily Johnston
Organizer
Dayton, OH