(July 2, 2025) Come 2029, Jahnavi Dangeti will embark on her first journey into the space. Selected as one of just four astronaut candidates by US-based Titan Space Industries (TSI), she’s set to be part of a private space mission that will take her closer to the stars she’s dreamt of since childhood. For Jahnavi, this isn’t just a scientific breakthrough — it’s the continuation of a story that began in the quiet magic of bedtime — when the stars were still just stories.
Long before flight suits and simulators became her reality, Jahnavi’s imagination was fuelled by her grandmother’s tales. Her favourite was about a woman who lived on the moon, gently orbiting the Earth while handing out chocolates and toys to children. It was a story that stayed with her — simple, comforting, and full of quiet wonder. It made the night sky feel closer, almost reachable.
Jahnavi Dangeti
Years later, that spark led her to the Kennedy Space Centre in Alabama, where she became the only Indian to complete the International Air and Space Program (IASP) in 2021. It was a first step — a bold one — toward a future written in stars. Now, with the 2029 mission on the horizon, Jahnavi is watching a childhood dream take shape.
Coming at a time when the world is celebrating Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla journey to NASA’s International Space Station aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, Jahnavi is clearly on cloud nine. “I’m incredibly honoured and excited to announce that I have been officially selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for Titans Space – Inaugural Class of 2025. It’s a dream come true,” smiles Jahnavi, in a chat with Global Indian.
A rare talent, ready to push space’s boundaries
On June 9, the CEO of TSI, Neal Lachman informed the space enthusiast about her selection. “Your selection from an extraordinarily competitive pool of global applicants is a testament to your truly incredible talent, unparalleled dedication, and pioneering spirit,” he wrote.
Neal further said that throughout her rigorous evaluation process, her exceptional intellectual prowess, remarkable resilience, and profound understanding of complex scientific and engineering principles consistently distinguished her. “You embody the very qualities we seek in those who will lead humanity’s next great leaps into the universe: an unwavering commitment to excellence, an innovative problem-solving mindset, and the courage to push the boundaries of what is possible.”
After months of interviews, Jahnavi is headed for the stars
Jahnavi says the entire process started about four months ago when she applied to TSI after hearing about the programme from other space enthusiasts. “The interview process was elaborate and had multiple rounds,” shares Jahnavi, who has been glued to the TV set following every bit of news about Shubhanshu Shukla’s space travel. Her phone has been ringing endlessly as congratulatory messages have been pouring in.
Youngest Indian chosen for TSI’s bold Cis-Lunar mission
Titans Space Industries, a privately held company dedicated to developing innovative and cost-effective space exploration technologies, selected Jahnavi for what they called was a “unique combination of aptitude and drive” which made her an ideal candidate to contribute significantly to TSI’s ambitious vision for Cis-Lunar colonization and beyond.
“Furthermore, we are especially proud to note that you are the youngest Indian to be selected for this program, joining a distinguished group of other talented individuals of Indian heritage within this class,” they noted.
The company is committed to making space accessible to all and is working to develop a variety of spaceflight programs, including human spaceflight, cargo transportation, and space tourism.
Rigorous initiative – Phase 1 of ASCAN
The Titans Space Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) training program concerns a rigorous four-year initiative, meticulously designed to cultivate highly skilled space professionals. This intensive curriculum is structured into two distinct and demanding phases to ensure comprehensive preparation.
“Phase 1, spanning the initial two years beginning in 2026, incorporates a dynamic combination of hybrid learning, classroom instruction, and demanding physical missions and expeditions,” informs Jahnavi.
This includes rigorous zero-g parabolic flights, challenging scuba diving, exercises to simulate spacewalks, neutral buoyancy training, high-altitude skydiving, and extensive mountain hiking, all designed to comprehensively evaluate capabilities and aptitudes and determine suitability for advanced training and mission participation.
Phase 2 – Lunar base building and mining training
Upon successful completion of Phase 1, Jahnavi will transition into Phase 2, an intensive, mission-specific training regimen encompassing a diverse range of specialisations. “This advanced phase of training will include highly specialised instruction in space station operations, the intricate processes of lunar base construction, and the complexities of lunar mining activities.”
This phased approach ensures that ASCANs are not only thoroughly evaluated but also receive tailored instruction essential for the varied and demanding roles within TSI’s ambitious projects and missions.
From Andhra to NASA, with sky-high dreams
Born in Poolapalli, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, Jahnavi Dangeti has long been driven by her twin dreams — to become a pilot and an astronaut. A graduate in Electronics and Communication (Honours) from Lovely Professional University, she laid a strong foundation for both paths early on.
She completed an astronaut training programme that included multi-access training, underwater rocket launches, and zero-gravity simulations. A personal milestone was piloting an aircraft for the first time. “Flying a Cessna 172 with my co-pilot was a dream come true. I love flying, and will soon be taking up a piloting course,” she says.
Her love for aviation runs deep. “They consulted the pilot and I was allowed in, and all the instruments were explained, and it was an incredible experience,” says Jahnavi, recalling the time she was allowed inside the cockpit during a flight to the Andamans. As a naturally curious child, she often spent hours reading up on Apollo Missions and astronauts — especially Neil Armstrong.
In 2021, Jahnavi became the only Indian to participate in the International Air and Space Program (IASP) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre. Appointed mission director for Team Kennedy, she led a team of 16 in launching and landing a miniature rocket. “Our team accomplished a great deal. For me, it was a great opportunity to develop project management skills along with leadership and international work experience,” she says. Her team also trained on a multi-axis simulator designed to mimic an uncontrolled spin in microgravity. “The experience is intended to simulate the sensation of an uncontrolled spin in microgravity,” she explains. She received a scholarship from a Mexican company to attend the programme.
Learning from NASA, growing with ISRO
During the training, she met retired American naval aviator and NASA astronaut Kenneth D Cameron, who mentored her batch. “IASP, a five-day educational programme, drives the leaders of tomorrow in STEM,” she says, describing the intensive curriculum that includes teamwork, problem-solving, and guidance from NASA engineers. She participated in the fall edition from November 14 to 20, 2021.
In India, Jahnavi has attended workshops by ISRO and served as a campus ambassador for multiple organisations, including Space Technology and Aeronautical Rocketry. She is also the vice-president of Space Magica, a startup that offers astronaut training experiences to students and the public. In addition, she has participated in hackathons and is a member of the International Organization of Aspiring Astronauts. One of her notable contributions includes analysing images from the Pan-STARRS satellite in the search for previously unidentified asteroids. “I come from a very small town, with hardly any awareness about space programmes and research. Therefore, I don’t miss any opportunity that takes me closer to my dreams,” says Janhavi, who is a certified open water scuba diver.
With her selection for the TSI mission, Jahnavi Dangeti is set to follow in the footsteps of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla — becoming part of a growing group of Indians reaching for the stars. Come 2029, the girl who once dreamt of space from a small town in Andhra Pradesh will make that dream a reality as she heads on her own mission beyond Earth.
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