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The Titans Space ASCAN Programme is an astronaut candidate training program by Titans Space Industries Inc., a private aerospace firm dedicated to innovative and affordable space exploration technologies. The program trains chosen individuals, referred to as Astronaut Candidates (ASCANs), for future orbital space missions on board Titans Space's revolutionary spaceplane and orbital flights.
Overview of Titans Space ASCAN Programme
Purpose: The ASCAN Programme is intended to prepare future astronauts for short-duration orbital flights, including the first flight of the Titans Genesis spaceplane and subsequent EarthLoop Orbital Cruises.
These flights are intended to offer safe, reliable, and economical access to low Earth orbit for scientific inquiry, human spaceflight development, and space tourism.
Training Elements: The candidates go through intense astronaut training for several years that involves spacecraft systems training, flight training simulations, medical checks, zero-gravity training, space suit use, and high-flying mission training.
The extensive training prepares the candidates for the specialist requirements of spaceflight.
Mission Profile: The first mission, planned for 2029, will take about five hours and have two orbits of Earth. Throughout this mission, astronauts will have a bit over three hours of continuous zero gravity, viewing two sunrises and two sunsets in orbit.
This mission is commanded by retired NASA astronaut and US Army Colonel William McArthur Jr., Chief Astronaut of Titans Space.
Unique Features of Titans Space Missions
Spaceplane Technology: Titans Space is using a Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO), Horizontal Takeoff and Horizontal Landing (HTHL) spaceplane, the Titans Genesis.
This system differs from conventional vertical rocket launchings in that it improves safety (removing explosive takeoffs and stage separations), simplifies operations, allowing quick reusability, and lowers costs by a substantial amount.
EarthLoop Orbital Cruises: In the wake of the first flight, Titans Space envisions regular EarthLoop flights aimed at microgravity research. These missions offer approximately three hours of continuous microgravity, which is ideal for a wide range of scientific investigations in the fields of drug development, biotechnology, and materials science.
By expanding the capabilities and scope of space-based research, the EarthLoop program complements the Titans OrbitalPort Space Station's extended-duration research.
Titans Space has taken the lead in creating new astronaut roles for expedition, cis-lunar (near-Moon) development, and in-space research and development. These roles reflect the evolving needs of next-generation space transportation and exploration.
Distinguished ASCAN Selection: Jahnavi Dangeti
One of the notable ASCANs chosen for the Titans Space ASCAN Programme is Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old Andhra Pradesh, India, graduate in electronics and communication engineering. She represents the program's diversity and passion for STEM.
Jahnavi boasts a strong background in space training and research, such as zero gravity, planetary simulation, and operations of a space suit. She was also the first Indian to be chosen for NASA's International Air and Space Program.
Her first mission with Titans Space will be a milestone one as she takes part in the first orbital flight, which is a new generation of space travelers. Jahnavi will start training in 2026 under the ASCAN program intensively to ready herself for the mission in 2029.
Titans Space Industries: Company Background
Titans Space Industries, located in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was established in 2021 and has 51-200 employees. The company has a senior management team with deep aerospace experience, including positions of leadership in NASA's Space Shuttle program and International Space Station flights.
Their mission is to democratize access to space and make space travel possible for millions of people around the globe through innovative spacecraft and operational excellence.
The Titans Space ASCAN Programme is a state-of-the-art astronaut training program that prepares candidates for brief-duration orbital missions onboard the revolutionary Titans Genesis spaceplane. It integrates enhanced training, innovative spacecraft technology, and an emphasis on scientific research and human spaceflight advancement.
With flight missions scheduled to start in 2029, the program is a major milestone toward opening up space as being accessible, safe, and affordable, while inspiring a new generation of space travelers such as Jahnavi Dangeti.
Also Read | Who is Jahnavi Dangeti? 23 year Old Astronaut Candidate for Titans Space Mission?
