LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. -- The ashes of a cat named Pikachu might be sent into space.

Former NASA employee, Steve Munt, wants to memorialize his cat in a unique way. His NASA background led him to Celestis Memorial Spaceflights. 

For $5000, the company will launch Pikachu's ashes into space on a satellite that can be tracked as it orbits Earth. Pikachu will be the first cat to make the journey. A portion of his remains, from his heart, will be launched into orbit.

"I don't see this as something frivolous," Munt said. "You know, to me, it's a very deeply effecting experience for me." 

In January 2018, Pikachu was diagnosed with diabetes and pancreatitis. One year later, Pikachu was euthanized after a long battle that forced Munt to say goodbye. 

Munt set up a GoFundMe page that has raised more than $1000 for the special sendoff to space. 

Munt wrote on the GoFundMe page, "[Pikachu] will watch over the Earth and we can track his location as he showers the world with love."