Dangeti Jahnavi, a young aerospace enthusiast from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, has become the first Indian to successfully complete NASA’s International Air and Space Program (IASP). In a historic development, she has been selected to travel to space in 2029, marking a significant milestone for India’s representation in global space missions.
Jahnavi will be part of a mission to the Titan’s Orbital Port Space Station, a U.S.-based space project expected to be operational within the next four years. Her participation makes her one of the few civilians — and the first Indian — chosen for this futuristic space initiative.
India’s First Woman to Join Titan’s Orbital Port Mission
A graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab, Dangeti Jahnavi completed her early education in Palakollu. Her parents, Srinivas and Padmasri, are currently based in Kuwait for work.
Jahnavi has long been an active voice in STEM education, frequently addressing students at National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and taking part in ISRO’s science and outreach programs. Her influence extends beyond Indian borders through participation in analog astronaut simulations, deep-sea diving exercises, and international conferences focusing on planetary science, astrobiology, and long-duration space sustainability.
NASA Program Graduate and Asteroid Discoverer
Her passion for space science earned her a place in the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), where she was involved in a provisional asteroid discovery, analyzing data from the Pan-STARRS (Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System). This achievement added to her growing reputation as one of India’s brightest emerging minds in space research.
In another landmark, Jahnavi became the youngest foreign analog astronaut and the first Indian selected for Space Iceland’s geology training, a program designed to simulate the challenges of exploring extraterrestrial terrains like the Moon and Mars.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Indian Space Scientists
Dangeti Jahnavi’s accomplishments are more than personal milestones—they serve as an inspiration to millions of young Indians, especially women, aspiring to enter the space and science sectors. As she prepares to represent India on an international space mission in 2029, her journey continues to break barriers and shatter stereotypes.
With her selection for the Titan’s Orbital Port Space Station mission, India has yet another name to celebrate in its growing legacy of space pioneers. Jahnavi’s story is not just about reaching for the stars — it’s about making space accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for generations to come.