In a feat that has placed Andhra Pradesh firmly on the space exploration map, Dangeti Jahnavi, a young woman from the small town of Palakollu in West Godavari district, is set to become the first Telugu woman to journey into space. Her upcoming participation in the 2029 orbital mission by Titan Space Industries not only marks a personal milestone but stands as a symbol of aspiration and perseverance for countless young Indians.
Jahnavi’s journey has been anything but easy. Raised in a modest, rural environment, her fascination with space began at an early age. Unlike many with similar dreams who fall back due to a lack of opportunities or resources, Jahnavi pursued her passion with grit and an unwavering determination. She graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering, using her academic foundation as a launchpad to explore international avenues in space science.
In 2022, Jahnavi underwent intensive astronaut simulation training at the Analog Astronaut Training Center in Poland, an experience that sharpened her technical and physical preparedness. She was actively involved in asteroid discovery through Pan-STARRS telescope data, further showcasing her scientific capability. Her efforts did not go unnoticed—she earned recognition at global platforms including the NASA Space Apps Challenge, where she won the People’s Choice Award, and the ISRO World Space Week, where she was honoured as a Young Achiever.
Her breakthrough came when she topped the NASA International Air & Space Program, leading to her selection for the Titan Space orbital mission. This made her the first Indian youth chosen for this prestigious program, a landmark not just for her but for the entire country.
Despite her achievements, financial constraints loomed large over her dream. Recognizing her potential, the then Andhra Pradesh government under Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy extended a ₹50 lakh scholarship, enabling her to secure a spot in the space mission. Viral images of Jahnavi receiving the scholarship captured the imagination of the public and sparked admiration across social media.
As she gears up for a three-year training program from 2026, covering spacecraft systems, survival drills, and flight simulations, Jahnavi remains grounded in her purpose. “Coming from a rural background, I want to prove that dreams, no matter how distant, are achievable,” she says.
