The Girl Who Reached for the Stars: Andhra Teen’s Astronaut Dream Takes Flight

From the peaceful town of Nidadavole in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, emerges a story that captures both wonder and pride. Kyvalya Reddy Kunchala, just 17, has been selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for the Space Class 2025–2029 Astronaut Programme of Titans Space Industries Inc. (TSI), a space technology and spacecraft development company based in Florida, USA. This achievement places her among an exclusive group of 150 astronaut candidates from 36 countries, each preparing for the future of human spaceflight. For Kyvalya, it’s not just a personal milestone; it’s the realization of a dream nurtured since childhood, to touch the stars and explore beyond Earth.The Road to the Stars: A Global Selection TriumphKyvalya’s journey to the Space Class was no easy feat. The global selection process conducted by TSI involved several challenging stages—academic assessments, psychometric evaluations, leadership screenings, and a final interview with TSI’s top brass, including the CEO, Chief Astronaut, COO, and Chief Engineer. Earning her place as an Astronaut Candidate meant demonstrating not just knowledge of science but also emotional resilience, teamwork, and physical endurance—key attributes for future space explorers. Her selection is a proud moment not only for Andhra Pradesh but for young dreamers across India.A Four-Year Training Process Over the next four years, Kyvalya Reddy will undergo one of the most comprehensive private astronaut training programs in the world, preparing her to become a fully trained space explorer. In Phase 1 (2026–2027), known as The Foundations of Spaceflight, she will balance theoretical learning with extreme physical and psychological challenges. Her training will include zero-gravity flights to simulate the feeling of weightlessness, neutral buoyancy drills for underwater astronaut exercises, scuba diving and high-altitude skydiving to build stamina and confidence, and mountain expeditions to strengthen endurance and adaptability. These experiences are carefully designed to mimic the physical intensity and mental resilience required for life beyond Earth. In Phase 2 (2027–2029), Kyvalya will advance to the level of Astronaut Designate, engaging in mission-specific training that focuses on space station operations, lunar base construction, and simulated lunar surface activities. This phase will prepare her for Titans Space Industries’ ambitious first crewed spaceplane mission in 2029, which aims to orbit Earth twice at an altitude of 300 kilometers during a five-hour flight. During this mission, astronauts like Kyvalya will conduct microgravity experiments and witness two sunrises and two sunsets from space, a breathtaking experience that few humans have ever encountered.Mentors from the StarsKyvalya’s astronaut training will take place under the mentorship of some of the most legendary figures in global space exploration. She will be guided by William McArthur, a NASA veteran who has spent 224 days in space and currently serves as Chief Astronaut at TSI. Alongside him will be Marcos Pontes, Brazil’s first astronaut and Deputy Chief Astronaut at TSI, whose pioneering space journey continues to inspire young explorers worldwide. Adding to this stellar team are Dr. Vladimir Pletser, a former European Space Agency astronaut trainer, who brings decades of expertise in space mission preparation, and Dr. Mindy Howard, a renowned mental preparedness coach for astronauts, known for helping trainees develop psychological strength and focus for high-stress space environments. Under their mentorship, Kyvalya will not merely learn how to survive in space; she will be trained to adapt, excel, and truly thrive beyond Earth.Early Achievements that Reached for the SkiesKyvalya’s passion for space science was evident long before this global recognition. At 15, she became the youngest Indian to complete the International Air and Space Programme (IASP) in 2023, held at a NASA facility. Her work as a NASA citizen scientist led to the discovery of two provisional main-belt asteroids—2020 PS24 and 2021 CM37. National finalist in NASA’s Scientist for a Day contest (2021) , Silver honours in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (2022 & 2025), Recognitions from ISRO for her contributions to space education and outreachIndia’s Rising Star in Global Space ExplorationKyvalya’s selection highlights a larger shift in India’s growing role in international space programs. From Chandrayaan to Gaganyaan, India has shown that space exploration is no longer the domain of a few nations. Young talents like Kyvalya are the bridge between India’s scientific heritage and its spacefaring future. Her journey symbolizes not only personal success but also national pride, a testament to how education, encouragement, and curiosity can transform lives.