Jahnavi Dangeti from Andhra Pradesh Selected as Astronaut Candidate for 2029 Titan Space Mission
Indian youth makes history by joining Titan Space Industries’ elite ASCAN cohort, set for training and space flight by 2029
In a proud moment for India, Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old space enthusiast from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, has been officially selected as an astronaut candidate (ASCAN) by Titan Space Industries (TSI), a US-based private space research agency.
Jahnavi’s inclusion in the 2029 Titan Orbital Space Mission makes her one of the youngest Indians ever chosen for a private spaceflight programme, underlining India’s rising presence in global space leadership.
Titan Space Confirms Jahnavi’s Selection
In a written confirmation to The Hindu, TSI stated:
“We can confirm that Jahnavi is selected as a member of our new ASCAN (astronaut candidate) cohort.”
As per Jahnavi's announcement on Instagram, she will begin a three-year intensive astronaut training programme from 2026, which will prepare her for the orbital spaceflight scheduled for 2029.
What the ASCAN Training Involves
According to Jahnavi, her astronaut training will include:
- Flight simulation and spacecraft procedures
- Survival training in extreme environments
- Medical and psychological evaluations
- Hands-on space systems operation
The five-hour spaceflight mission is expected to be conducted from Titan’s orbital port space station, aiming to promote scientific research and human spaceflight development.
A Mission Led by Space Legends
The 2029 mission will be commanded by Colonel (Retd.) William McArthur Jr., a veteran NASA astronaut. His leadership adds credibility and experience to Titan’s pioneering efforts in the private spaceflight sector.
National Recognition from Indian Government
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, congratulated Jahnavi on social media platform X:
“Congratulations to Dangeti Jahnavi from Palakollu, West Godavari, on being selected as an astronaut and becoming the first Indian to complete NASA’s International Air & Space Programme.”
He added:
“Her success is a beacon of hope and ambition for young Indians everywhere. She will soon embark on a groundbreaking mission to Titan’s orbital port space station. A proud moment for all of us.”
Who is Jahnavi Dangeti?
- Age: 23
- Hometown: Palakollu, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh
- Education:
- Completed schooling in Godavari district
- Graduated with a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
- Family: Her parents, Padmasri and Srinivas, currently reside in Kuwait
A Track Record of Space Achievements
Jahnavi is not new to space science. Her achievements include:
- First Indian and youngest foreign analogue astronaut trained at the Analogue Astronaut Training Centre (AATC) in Kraków, Poland (2022)
- Participated in NASA’s International Air and Space Program, gaining recognition for excellence
- Contributed to the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC)
- Involved in asteroid discovery projects using real-time data from Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii
- Winner of multiple awards:
- People’s Choice Award at NASA Space Apps Challenge
- Young Achiever Award at ISRO’s World Space Week celebrations
Why This Matters
Jahnavi’s journey reflects a growing trend of Indian youth participating in international space missions, not just through ISRO but also in global private space ventures.
Her selection is significant because:
- It symbolizes India’s growing footprint in space exploration
- It inspires young STEM aspirants in India, especially young women
- It underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in space science
What’s Next?
- Jahnavi will join the ASCAN programme officially in early 2026
- Her training will take place across multiple international facilities
- She will participate in experimental research during the 2029 Titan Orbital Flight, which will contribute to next-gen space technologies and exploration missions
Final Thoughts
From a small town in Andhra Pradesh to the edge of space — Jahnavi Dangeti’s journey is a shining example of talent, determination, and global opportunity. As she prepares to represent India in Titan Space Industries’ 2029 mission, she becomes a symbol of a new generation of Indian space explorers.
Stay tuned to TheTrendingPeople.com for more updates on Jahnavi Dangeti and India’s growing role in space innovation.