When Jahnavi Dangeti first looked up at the night sky from her hometown of Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh, she wasn’t just stargazing—she was dreaming. Dreaming of flying among those stars. That dream, once just a spark in a small town, is now creating a new way into outer space. At just 23 years old, Jahnavi has been selected as an astronaut candidate for the prestigious Titans Space Mission, set for launch in 2029. She is set to become one of the youngest Indians ever to venture into space.

Early Life and Education

Jahnavi's journey didn't begin in a NASA lab or elite institute. It began in local classrooms in Palakollu, where her fascination with the universe first took root. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab. But her education extended far beyond textbooks. In a groundbreaking feat, she became the first Indian to complete NASA’s International Air and Space Program, opening global doors to her aspirations.

The Titans Space Mission

The Titans Space Mission, operated by a private US-based space agency and led by Colonel (Retd.) William McArthur Jr., a veteran NASA astronaut, is no ordinary mission. It aims to push the boundaries of scientific research and human spaceflight. As part of a broader initiative to expand space exploration through private enterprise, Jahnavi will play a crucial role in this exciting journey. Her training is set to begin in 2026 under the ASCAN (Astronaut Candidate) program, which is a rigorous three-year process. 

This training will involve flight simulation, learning spacecraft systems, building physical endurance, and mastering survival techniques. Alongside these, she will undergo thorough psychological and medical evaluations and participate in team-based problem-solving exercises designed to simulate extreme conditions. This intense preparation is meant to equip Jahnavi not only with the necessary technical skills but also with the mental strength and resilience needed to lead humanity’s next steps in space exploration.

A Rising Star Among Stars: Recognitions and Achievements

Jahnavi is more than just a future astronaut; she is already making a significant impact in the global space community. Among her many accomplishments, she became the youngest foreign analog astronaut when she trained in Space Iceland’s geology-based analog missions. She also won the People’s Choice Award at the NASA Space Apps Challenge, highlighting her innovative contributions. 

Additionally, she received the ISRO World Space Week Young Achiever Award in recognition of her efforts in space outreach. Jahnavi even participated in the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), where she made a provisional asteroid discovery. These achievements not only add to her credibility but also demonstrate her strong commitment to advancing space science and making it accessible to the next generation.

A Voice for the Youth: Advocating STEM and Breaking Barriers

Beyond her academic and scientific milestones, Jahnavi has emerged as a dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) advocate. She’s been a guest speaker at numerous outreach programs run by ISRO and premier technical institutions like NITs across India.

Her message is simple yet powerful: “Many youths think they can’t go to space. But they can if they make a serious try.” 

Her words especially targets rural students, a demographic often overlooked in the tech and science fields. She wants to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity, showing that even from a remote town like Palakollu, global heights can be reached.

The Mission Ahead

The Titans Space Orbital flight, scheduled for 2029, will last five hours, offering a unique environment for scientific research and human spaceflight advancement. Jahnavi will be part of the voyage to the US-based Titan's orbital port space station, which will be opened four years from now. With her extensive training and experience, Jahnavi is set to play a vital role in shaping humanity's interplanetary path. As Jahnavi embarks on this extraordinary journey, her achievement serves as a ray of hope for young Indians everywhere. Her story is a reminder that with passion, dedication, and perseverance, the stars are within reach.