Conquering seas, skies: This 23-year-old Indian astronaut is set to go to space in 2029

Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old Indian woman is making waves as she is set to go to space in 2029.

The young space enthusiast never left her childhood wonder for the skies, and now will venture outside Earth, as an astronaut candidate for the Titans Space Astronaut Class of 2025.

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The mission will be led by veteran Nasa astronaut and retired US Army Colonel William McArthur Jr., now serving as Chief Astronaut at Titans Space.

Dangeti will embark on "multiple Earth orbits, sustained weightlessness, and a transformative environment for research and learning."

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Pushing the limits are not new for this astronaut hailing from Andhra Pradesh; she was also the first Indian to be selected for International Air and Space Programme by AEXA in association with NASA, and has undergone astronaut training at AATC Poland, Geospace Iceland, and Project PoSSUM.

"As a child, I often looked up at the moon believing it was following me. That sense of wonder never left — and today, I’m honored to share that it’s becoming a part of my reality," she shared.

While she soars to heights beyond our blue planet, Dangeti also goes to depths below ground level. The budding astronaut is also an advanced adventure scuba diver, with her experience in such "extreme environments further enhancing training for space missions".

The 2029 mission will require rigorous training; starting in 2026, she will undergo comprehensive astronaut training — including spacecraft systems, mission simulation, zero-gravity flights, emergency procedures, psychological assessments, and spaceflight operations.

"This mission is not just about going to space — it’s about bringing others along through inspiration, science, and shared dreams," she said.

Wearing many hats, she is also a STEM educator and speaker, seeking to not just explore space for herself, but also "inspire the next generation".

• India

Poojaraj Maniyeri

Poojaraj Maniyeri is a Digital Journalist who loves turning everyday conversations into news stories. She is also a typical bookworm, and brings a novel with her everywhere she goes.

pooja@khaleejtimes.com