Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old space enthusiast from Andhra Pradesh, is all set to create history by becoming India’s first private spaceflight candidate scheduled to fly in 2029. Born and raised in Palakollu, a quiet town in the West Godavari district, Jahnavi always dreamed beyond the skies. Her journey, marked by academic excellence, relentless ambition, and global recognition, is a source of pride not only for her hometown but also for the entire country.
From a young age, Jahnavi displayed a keen interest in science and space. While most children were watching cartoons, she was fascinated by rockets and the universe. Her parents, Padmasri and Srinivas, who work in Kuwait, recognized her curiosity and supported her unconditionally. They encouraged her to follow her passion even if it led her to unexplored territories.
Academic Journey and Early Space Interest
After completing her schooling, Jahnavi enrolled in Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab to pursue Electronics and Communication Engineering. During her college years, she took every opportunity to learn more about astronomy, space tech, and robotics. She joined space clubs, participated in research projects, and networked with experts in the field. Her dedication and determination were evident from the beginning. LPU became a stepping stone for her space dreams.
What makes Jahnavi different is not just her love for science, but her strong leadership qualities and hands-on experience. These traits helped her stand out and reach places few young Indians have ever gone.
Breaking Barriers at NASA
Jahnavi became a household name when she successfully completed the International Air and Space Program (IASP) at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in the USA. She was the first Indian woman to complete this elite training, which included rocket designing, space mission simulations, and astronaut leadership activities.
While undergoing the program, Jahnavi took charge as the Mission Director of her team, which included 16 participants from different parts of the world. Under her guidance, the team launched a successful mini-rocket, demonstrating her technical and managerial skills. This achievement marked a major turning point in her career, setting her apart as a global space talent.
The training at NASA was rigorous and included zero-gravity simulations, technical problem-solving, and emergency preparedness exercises—all designed to mirror real-life space conditions. Jahnavi handled every challenge with confidence and intelligence, earning the respect of her peers and mentors.
Youngest Foreign Analogue Astronaut
In 2022, Jahnavi made headlines again when she became the youngest foreign analogue astronaut at the Analog Astronaut Training Center in Poland. The analogue mission is a ground-based simulation of space missions and requires participants to live in isolation, follow strict routines, and conduct space-related experiments in confined environments.
This training is extremely important for future astronauts, as it prepares them mentally and physically for the conditions of outer space. Living without real-time communication, relying on technology for survival, and dealing with psychological stress helped Jahnavi develop the mental toughness required for real missions.
Her performance in Poland impressed space agencies around the world and opened doors for more advanced opportunities in the space industry.
Passion for Science and STEM Education
Jahnavi is not just a future astronaut—she is also a passionate advocate for science education. Over the years, she has participated in numerous national and international science programs, including the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC). Here, she worked with global teams to analyze telescope data and even contributed to asteroid discoveries using NASA’s Pan-STARRS telescope data.
She regularly delivers motivational talks at ISRO, various IITs, NITs, and private universities, inspiring thousands of young students, especially young girls, to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She believes that space is for everyone, regardless of their background, and often says, “If I can do it, so can you.”
She is also trained in deep-sea diving, planetary geology, and robotics—skills that help her understand different environmental conditions and machinery, which will come in handy during her space journey.
Selected for 2029 Orbital Space Mission
The most exciting chapter in Jahnavi’s journey began when she was selected by Titan Space Technologies, a US-based private aerospace company, as part of their Astronaut Candidate Class of 2025. This makes her India’s first confirmed private astronaut candidate for an orbital mission scheduled in March 2029.
The mission will be led by Colonel William McArthur Jr., a NASA veteran astronaut. Jahnavi, along with other global astronauts, will travel to Titan’s Orbital Port Space Station aboard the EarthLoop Orbital Cruise Mission. The journey will last five hours, during which the spacecraft will complete two orbits around Earth. The astronauts will witness two sunrises and two sunsets from space—a breathtaking and rare sight.
Before the mission, Jahnavi will undergo an intensive training program from 2026 to 2028, which includes spacecraft operations, safety protocols, physical fitness assessments, medical testing, and space psychology. She will also participate in underwater training, zero-gravity simulations, and high-pressure testing.
This mission is not only a personal milestone for Jahnavi but also a significant step for India’s representation in private space travel.
What Her Journey Means for India
Jahnavi Dangeti’s space journey is a matter of national pride. She is a symbol of India’s growing presence in global aerospace and a shining example of what the youth of this country can achieve with the right support and mindset.
She has broken gender barriers and proven that young Indian women can excel in fields like space technology, which have traditionally been male-dominated. Her story motivates thousands of girls in rural and urban areas alike to think big and pursue careers in science and innovation.
India’s space community, including ISRO and private tech firms, has recognized her as a game-changer. Jahnavi is already being invited to share her insights at space and tech conferences across the globe. Her mission could serve as a catalyst for more Indian participation in private commercial space missions.
Vision for the Future
Jahnavi dreams of using her experience in space to promote scientific innovation in India. She wants to develop educational programs, help set up research incubators, and work with ISRO and private space companies to make space science more accessible to students.
She is also working on a book that will document her journey—from her first telescope to becoming India’s youngest astronaut candidate. The aim is to inspire young people to take risks, follow their dreams, and aim for the stars—literally.
Jahnavi Dangeti’s life is an inspiring story of how curiosity, hard work, and support can turn the most ambitious dreams into reality. From a small town in Andhra Pradesh to the global stage of space exploration, she has shown that there are no limits when passion meets preparation.
Her upcoming space mission in 2029 will be remembered not just as a technological achievement but also as a moment of pride and inspiration for every Indian.Jahnavi is not just preparing to travel to space—she’s creating space for others to dream bigger.
