Navajo Nation Protests NASA's Plan to Send Human Remains to the Moon

The Navajo Nation has objected to the US's plan to send a spacecraft with human cremated remains to the Moon, considering it a desecration of a sacred space. The Peregrine lander, set to launch on January 8, will carry scientific instruments and payloads from two companies, including the remains of notable individuals like Gene Roddenberry. Despite previous commitments to consult Native Americans on such matters, NASA has stated it has no control over private partner payloads. The Navajo Nation President has called for a delay in the launch, while the involved companies and NASA are in discussions about the cultural implications and future industry standards.