Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old woman from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, is all set to make history. Selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) by Titans Space, she will be part of an orbital mission scheduled for 2029-an ambitious step towards advancing human spaceflight and inspiring young Indian dreamers.
Who is Janhvi Dangeti?
Jahnavi, an Electronics and Communication Engineering graduate, has long been a prominent name in India’s growing space and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) ecosystem. Her consistent dedication to scientific outreach and space research has earned her international recognition. She previously became the first Indian to complete NASA’s prestigious International Air and Space Program, a milestone that showcased her potential in the field of aerospace.
The Titans Space orbital mission, set to launch in 2029, will last five hours and include three hours of sustained zero gravity. During the mission, astronauts will complete two orbits around the Earth-witnessing two sunrises and two sunsets from space. This inaugural flight will be commanded by William McArthur Jr., a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former NASA astronaut, now serving as Chief Astronaut at Titans Space.
Calling this opportunity “incredibly humbling,” Jahnavi expressed her gratitude for being selected to work under such a veteran leader in the field of human space exploration.
Astronaut training to begin in 2026
Jahnavi’s space journey begins with intensive training starting in 2026. Over three years, she will undergo comprehensive preparation through Titans Space’s ASCAN program. This includes training in spacecraft systems, orbital flight simulations, emergency protocols, medical evaluations, and advanced space science operations.
Her prior experience with zero-gravity flights, planetary simulations, and high-altitude missions provides a strong foundation for this next chapter.
A role model for young Indians
India’s Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, congratulated Jahnavi in a post on X (formerly Twitter), praising her as a beacon of hope for young Indians. “Her success is a proud moment for the nation and will serve as an inspiration to countless youth,” he wrote.
In her social media posts, Jahnavi dedicated her journey to “all the young dreamers who dare to look up and imagine the impossible.” She also highlighted her pride in representing her Indian roots on a global platform.
