At just 13 years old, Iniya Pragati from Chennai has achieved a monumental feat, becoming India’s youngest analogue astronaut after successfully completing a rigorous Martian research mission in the High Arctic. The young prodigy has now boldly declared her ambition to take her journey forward to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Iniya’s achievement comes after her participation in a scientific expedition to Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic, a remote location often referred to as “Mars on Earth” due to its barren, rocky terrain and geological similarities to the Red Planet.
During her high-altitude research mission, the young astronaut-in-training demonstrated her endurance and scientific capability by engaging in crucial fieldwork:
- Scientific Research: Her tasks included conducting fieldwork, collecting water samples, and searching for microbes in one of the world’s most remote and hostile environments, simulating conditions on Mars.
- Zero-Gravity Training: Iniya has also undergone intense preparation, including advanced scuba diving to simulate zero-gravity conditions—a technique used by NASA astronauts in their training.
Iniya’s passion for space began with night-sky watching at the age of five, which inspired her to learn about the cosmos and eventually set her sights on becoming an astronaut.
With the analogue mission successfully completed, Iniya Pragati is charting a clear path to becoming a space traveler.
“I’ll be on the Moon,” she said with quiet confidence. “Sooner than later, and then on to Mars. My final destination is Mars. But first I want to go to the Low Earth Orbit, then Moon.”
Beyond her training, Iniya is a published author of three books, including the bestseller “Evidence of Water on Mars,” and serves as a Mars Ambassador, actively promoting STEM education and sustainable space practices to the younger generation.
Her journey is a powerful testament to the dreams of India’s youth, demonstrating that dedication and scientific curiosity can breach the highest boundaries. Iniya is now looking forward to further international collaborations as she prepares for the next phase of her extraordinary space exploration career.
