Andhra Girl Kaivalya Reddy Selected as Astronaut Candidate for 2029 Space Mission
In a moment of pride for Andhra Pradesh, 17-year-old Kunchala Kaivalya Reddy, hailing from Nidadavolu, has been selected as an astronaut candidate for the 2029 space mission by Titans Space Industries (TSI), a Florida-based space research organization in the USA.
The announcement was made by TSI CEO Neil S. Lachman on Thursday following a rigorous multi-stage selection process led by Chief Astronaut William “Bill” McArthur, COO and Chief Engineer Dr. V. Vijay, and their expert panel.
Kaivalya will now undergo four years of intensive astronaut training under the guidance of global experts including NASA veteran Bill McArthur (who spent 224 days in space and served as ISS Commander), Brazil’s first astronaut Marcos Pontes, astronaut trainer Dr. Vladimir Pletser, and mental resilience expert Dr. Mindy Howard.
Her training will include zero-gravity parabolic flights, EVA and scuba diving, neutral buoyancy exercises, high-altitude skydiving, and scientific experimentation in simulated space environments. After completing basic training, she will move into advanced mission assignments involving real-time scientific experiments.
Kaivalya, daughter of Kunchala Srinivasa Reddy and Vijayalakshmi, has completed her intermediate education and plans to pursue a degree in Astrophysics.
Kaivalya Reddy’s Stellar Achievements
- Youngest Indian to complete the International Air and Space Program 2023 organized by EXA in collaboration with NASA facilities in Alabama.
- Discovered two provisional asteroids (2020 PS20 and 2021 CM37) in the Main Asteroid Belt as a NASA Citizen Scientist.
- National finalist in NASA’s Scientist for a Day essay competition (2021).
- Secured Silver Honor Certificates at International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competitions (2021, 2025).
- Won multiple awards in ISRO’s space quiz, science fairs, astro photography, and public speaking competitions.
- Holder of International Wonder Book of Records for assembling the periodic table in just 1 minute 38 seconds.
- Recognized by the International Genius Book of Records for excellence in arts and crafts.
- Named “Multi-Talented Individual of the Year 2024” by the Telugu Book of Records.
Kaivalya’s Words
“I am deeply grateful to Titans Space Industries for choosing me as an astronaut candidate. My dream is to grow as an astronaut and astrophysicist and serve the nation with pride.”
2029 Space Mission
The mission marks TSI’s first-ever spaceplane flight, scheduled for 2029.
The spacecraft will orbit the Earth twice at an altitude of 300 km, lasting about five hours.
Astronauts will experience three hours of complete zero gravity, observe two sunrises and two sunsets from space, and conduct microgravity experiments.
