Dangeti Jahnavi Becomes First Indian to Finish NASA Program

First Indian to Finish NASA Program: Dangeti Jahnavi, a young aerospace enthusiast from Palakollu, Andhra Pradesh, made history as the first Indian to graduate from NASA’s prestigious International Air and Space Program. She is now preparing for her next big leap. She will join Titans Space’s first orbital mission, with a spaceflight scheduled for 2029.

Jahnavi shared her excitement on social media after Titans Space selected her as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for its 2025 training class. “As a child, I thought the Moon followed me. I didn’t know it was guiding me here. That childlike wonder is now a part of my everyday life. It’s an enormous honor and thrill to officially announce my selection as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for the Titans Space Inaugural Class of 2025,” she wrote. Her upcoming mission will mark a major milestone in India’s role in global space exploration. Starting in 2026, she will undergo three years of intensive training under the ASCAN program. This journey reflects her strong determination and highlights India’s growing presence in the global aerospace field.

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Who is Dangeti Jahnavi?

Dangeti Jahnavi earned her degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Lovely Professional University in Punjab. She also gained recognition for her outreach efforts in STEM education. According to South First, Jahnavi inspired young students to pursue careers in science and space. She delivered motivational speeches at ISRO and several National Institutes of Technology (NITs). Jahnavi was born to Srinivas and Padmasri, who currently reside in Kuwait. She made notable contributions to the International Astronomical Search Collaboration. Her work led to the preliminary discovery of an asteroid. As Deccan Chronicle reported, she became the first Indian selected for Space Iceland’s geology training program. She also holds the distinction of being the youngest foreign analog astronaut.

Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Member of Lok Sabha from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, praised Jahnavi’s achievements. He congratulated her for becoming the first Indian to complete NASA’s International Air & Space Program and for being selected as an astronaut. In a public message, he wrote:

“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. 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.”

Take a look at the post:

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.
Her success is a beacon of hope and ambition for young Indians everywhere.
She will soon… pic.twitter.com/MqEfkIFCdr

— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 24, 2025