"LD" == Larry Dighera writes:

LD What is behind the bizarre practice of launching capsules
LD containing the burnt human remains of celebrities into space?
LD Isn't this ghoulish practice just a bit beneath the dignity of
LD science?

Ever read Michael Crichton's book (not the movie) "Jurassic Park"? In
the book, the rich guy funding the park knows that entertainment is
how bucks are made, and progress in science needs money. Therefore
apparently undignified activities (like entertainment) can be
harnessed to support progress (like in genetics).

Likewise this issue. It's not ghoulish, it simply is, like rich guys
paying Russia $20M a shot to be in orbit a few days and supporting
Russia's space program.