EarthLoop Orbital Cruise: Andhra Pradesh woman set to travel to space in 2029; training to begin in 2026
VISAKHAPATNAM: Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old woman from
Andhra Pradesh
, has been selected as an astronaut candidate for Titans Space's groundbreaking mission—the EarthLoop Orbital Cruise, set to launch aboard the Titans Genesis spaceplane in March 2029.
This inaugural journey marks a key moment in commercial spaceflight, using a reusable vehicle that takes off and lands like a conventional aircraft, reaching 300 km above Earth to offer orbital views and microgravity experiences.
The mission will be led by NASA veteran and retired US Army Colonel William McArthur Jr., now chief astronaut at Titans Space.
Jahnavi describes the mission as a symbol of shared dreams and scientific inspiration.
She will begin astronaut training in 2026, covering everything from mission simulations and spacecraft systems to zero-gravity flights and psychological readiness.
She was the first Indian selected for NASA's International Air & Space Program (IASP), and has undergone advanced training at AATC Poland, Geospace Iceland, and Project PoSSUM.
In 2021, she completed the full program at Kennedy Space Centre, gaining hands-on experience in multi-access training, zero-gravity environments, underwater rocket launches, and piloting aircraft.
She also led 'Team Kennedy'—a group of 16 global participants—in successfully launching a miniature rocket.
Passionate about space since childhood, Jahnavi credits her grandmother's bedtime stories for nurturing her early curiosity. As a certified open water scuba diver and active STEM educator, she continues to inspire young minds through outreach and workshops.
The Titans Genesis is a single-stage-to-orbit, horizontal take-off and landing spaceplane, designed for safe, cost-effective missions to the Titans OrbitalPort Space Station. Unlike traditional rockets, its configuration eliminates stage separation, ensuring higher safety and rapid reusability at lower costs.
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