(February 15, 2022) As a child, Jahnavi Dangeti’s grandmother told her countless bedtime stories. One, about a woman who lived on the moon who distributed chocolates and toys to children, was her favourite. It fuelled her imagination about space, planets and a sky full of unimaginable possibilities. Curious at heart, the Nasa junior citizen scientist wanted to learn more. As a child, she would research Apollo Missions, astronauts, particularly Neil Armstrong to learn more.
Those starry tales propelled her into creating history. Jahnavi is the only Indian to undergo the International Air and Space Program (IASP) at Nasa Launch Operations’ Kennedy Space Centre in Alabama, US in 2021. The aspiring astronaut was part of a carefully chosen group of 20 youngsters from across the world to be selected. “My interest in space exploration was triggered by my grandmother’s bedtime stories. I want to become the first Indian to set foot on Mars,” declares the confident Nasa junior citizen scientist.
Jahnavi is a junior citizen scientist for NASA
When zero gravity was attainable
Born in Poolapalli, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, the 19-year-old completed the astronaut programme involving multi-access training, underwater rocket launch, zero gravity, etc. What more, she also got to pilot 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,” says Jahnavi, speaking exclusively to Global Indian.
Such is her fascination for the cockpit that once, on a flight to Andamans, she told the flight crew about her interests and requested entry into the cockpit. “They consulted the pilot and I was allowed in, and all the instruments were explained, and it was an incredible experience,” says Jahnavi who has twin goals – becoming a pilot and an astronaut. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications (honours) from Lovely Professional University, the brilliant mind is on to greater heights.
At the US programme, Jahnavi was appointed mission director for Team Kennedy, a group of 16 who successfully launched and landed a miniature rocket into the sky, safely. “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,” smiles the teenager. Her team worked on a multi-axis trainer based on a real-life astronaut training simulator. “The experience is intended to simulate the sensation of an uncontrolled spin in microgravity,” informs the Nasa junior citizen scientist who got a scholarship from a Mexican company for the IASP programme.
Flying a Cessna172 with a co-pilot was a ‘dream come true,’ says Jahnavi
Aspiring to be an astronaut
While going through various phases of astronaut training, Jahnavi met retired American naval aviator and former Nasa astronaut Kenneth D Cameron, who mentored her batch. IASP, a five-day educational programme drives the leaders of tomorrow in STEM. It involves teamwork, problem-solving and communication among students, with expert Nasa engineers to help solve unexpected problems. The Nasa junior citizen scientist was in the fall edition from November 14 to 20, 2021.
Participating in several workshops by ISRO, she has been a campus ambassador for several organisations including Space Technology and Aeronautical Rocketry, which is an Indian private aerospace company. She is the vice-president of Space Magica, a startup astronaut training centre for students and general public, and has also participated in hackathons. “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,” informs the Nasa junior citizen scientist, who is a member of the International Organization of Aspiring Astronauts, and has analysed the images caught by the Pan-STARRS satellite in pursuit of unexposed asteroids.
From the depths of the ocean into outer space. the sky is no limit for Jahnavi
Scuba, doobie do
The Andhra girl, a record holder in the Indian Book of Records for being multitalented, undertook an open water scuba training, and is today an internationally certified open water scuba diver. First learning swimming in a pool, she travelled to Visakhapatnam to learn open water swimming. She obtained mandatory approval from the state government for advanced adventure scuba diving too. When it did not come through, the Nasa junior citizen scientist went to Goa, and finally got her open water scuba diving certification. Needless to say, it was not easy.
“While scuba diving in Goa, I was stung by a jellyfish, and had a close encounter with a lionfish,” recounts the girl who travelled to the Andamans for further training. “I learnt night, single and other special dives, getting a license in adventure scuba diving. I love life under water,” smiles Jahnavi, whose parents, Sreenivas Dangeti and Padmasree work in private companies in Kuwait. Jahnavi was raised by her grandmother Leela Ramanadham.
Jahnavi is an internationally certified scuba driver and was trained here in Goa
As she manages her time between academics, and other pursuits, she never misses a chance to stargaze. Watching sci-fi movies, and cartoons, the bookworm gorges on books on astronomy and by astronauts. “Wings of Fire is my favourite,” reveals the Karate champ, who has won several awards. Hard pressed for time, the Nasa junior citizen scientist manages to indulge in meditation and workouts. When it comes to her academics, Jahnavi, who went to Montessori English medium school and Aditya Junior College, was among those bright minds who were in the top 10 students.
Dreaming big, she is thankful to her parents for doing everything possible to help her realise her dreams. “There are huge financial constraints when it comes to taking up a pilot course,” says the Nasa junior citizen scientist, who is looking at the Andhra Pradesh government for support. An active member of student organisation Robotics and Intelligent System Community at college, she thanks her grandmother who has been her anchor.
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