Small-Town Girl, Galactic Dreams: Jahnavi Dangeti’s Journey to Space

Image Source: The Brighter World

Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh, is about to make history. She’s been picked for a private orbital space mission that’s set to launch in 2029, making her one of the first Indian women to go to space with a private company.

Here’s what makes her story so special:

Jahnavi will be part of the Titans Space mission, which is scheduled for March 2029. Out of thousands of applicants, she’s one of just three astronaut candidates chosen for this first-of-its-kind journey.

The mission will use the Titans Genesis spaceplane, a reusable vehicle that will orbit Earth twice in five hours. During the flight, the crew will experience three hours of weightlessness and see two sunrises and two sunsets from space.

She’ll be training under NASA veteran William McArthur Jr., who’s leading the mission for Titans Space. Her astronaut training starts in 2026 and will include everything from spacecraft systems and flight simulations to zero-gravity practice and mental preparation.

Jahnavi already has an impressive resume: she’s completed NASA’s International Air and Space Program, trained in Poland and Iceland, and even worked at Kennedy Space Center.

She’s also an Electronics and Communication Engineering graduate and a passionate advocate for STEM, regularly speaking at ISRO events and inspiring students across India.

What’s most inspiring is her message to other young people, especially those from rural backgrounds: “If you make a serious try, you can reach space too.”

Jahnavi’s journey is a big moment for India and a huge inspiration for anyone who dares to dream big.

Source: NDTV, The Federal, Deccan Chronicle, Hindustan Times, News24, Moneycontrol, Times of India, Economic Times, Mashable