In a historic achievement that has filled India with pride, Kaivalya Reddy, a young woman from Andhra Pradesh, has been selected as an astronaut candidate for the 2029 International Space Mission.
Her selection marks a remarkable milestone for both the state and the nation, as she becomes one of the few Indians and among very few women; to make it to the elite space training program.
Kaivalya, who hails from Tirupati, holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Her academic brilliance and research contributions in advanced propulsion systems reportedly played a key role in her selection by the International Space Exploration Consortium (ISEC), a global body collaborating with multiple space agencies including NASA, ESA, and ISRO.
Speaking to media after the announcement, Kaivalya expressed her gratitude and excitement.
“This is not just my achievement — it’s a dream come true for every young girl who looks up at the stars and dares to believe she can reach them,” she said. “India’s space legacy inspired me, and I hope to carry that spirit forward.”
According to sources, Kaivalya will undergo rigorous astronaut training beginning in mid-2026, which includes zero-gravity simulations, spacecraft systems operations, and survival training in extreme conditions.
If successful, she will officially join the 2029 space mission team, which aims to conduct long-duration orbital experiments and deep-space research aboard a next-generation international space station.
ISRO officials have also extended their congratulations, calling her selection “a proud moment for India’s young scientific community.”
Social media has since been flooded with congratulatory messages celebrating Kaivalya’s achievement, with many hailing her as a “trailblazer for the next generation.”
