Engineering Graduate from Andhra to Train for Spaceflight in Titan's Space Mission

Jahnavi Dangeti Breaks Barriers as First Indian in Titans Space’s Elite Astronaut Programme

In a defining chapter for India’s space ambitions, Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old from Palakollu in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, has been selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for the Titans Space Astronaut Class of 2025. This eminent selection paves the way for her participation in Titan Space’s inaugural orbital mission, scheduled for March 2029, positioning her among the youngest and most promising Indian spaceflight trainees to date.

Titans Space Industries, a private aerospace firm, is committed to democratising space access through its ASCAN Programme, an advanced astronaut training initiative. The programme prepares candidates for short-duration orbital missions aboard the Titan Genesis, a Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) spaceplane. These missions, including the innovative EarthLoop Orbital Cruises, are designed to facilitate microgravity research and broaden participation in human spaceflight.

Jahnavi’s journey is marked by a series of pioneering achievements. She is reportedly the first Indian to complete NASA’s International Air and Space Program (IASP) and has actively contributed to STEM outreach, asteroid discovery campaigns, and analogue astronaut training. Her selection for the Titan's mission, led by veteran NASA astronaut William McArthur Jr., represents a significant milestone for both her trajectory and India’s growing presence in global space exploration.

Academically, she completed her early education in Palakollu before earning a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Lovely Professional University, Punjab. This academic foundation has underpinned her pursuit of space science and exploration. Her parents, Padmasri and Srinivas, currently based in Kuwait, have been unwavering in their support throughout her journey. Beyond academics, Jahnavi has demonstrated exceptional commitment to science communication and education. She frequently participates in outreach programmes organised by ISRO, NITs, and other premier institutions, inspiring students and researchers across India. Her technical training includes analogue space missions, deep-sea diving, and participation in the International Astronomical Search Collaboration, through which she has contributed to asteroid discoveries using data from a telescope in Hawaii.

Notably, she holds the distinction of being the youngest foreign analogue astronaut and the first Indian to join Space Iceland’s geology training, where she trained in Mars-analogue terrains to prepare for future interplanetary missions. Jahnavi Dangeti’s ascent from a small town in Andhra Pradesh to the threshold of spaceflight is a powerful testament to perseverance, vision, and the transformative power of education.

Editor’s Note

Jahnavi Dangeti’s selection as an Astronaut Candidate for the Titans Space Astronaut Class of 2025 is more than an individual triumph; it is a symbolic and strategic leap forward for India's youth, particularly those aspiring to careers in aerospace, STEM, and planetary science. Hailing from a modest background in Andhra Pradesh and charting a path to the frontier of human spaceflight, Jahnavi represents a powerful blueprint for what determination, academic rigour, and global collaboration can achieve. Her journey opens an array of new possibilities for Indian students. It signals a future where access to elite international training programmes, once seen as aspirational at best, is increasingly within reach. With growing intersections between private space industries and educational institutions, this achievement is likely to spark renewed investment in STEM outreach, hands-on space education, and international research exchange. More importantly, it encourages students across India to think beyond conventional boundaries and envision themselves as active contributors to the global space community.

Skoobuzz heartily congratulates Jahnavi on her remarkable achievement and believes it marks a proud moment for the nation. As India emerges as a key player in the new space economy, its journey is set to inspire a new generation of learners to reach not only for the stars but also for the systems that make space exploration possible.