Meet Iniya Pragati: 13-year-old girl who becomes India’s youngest analogue astronaut aiming for Moon, Mars

From Classroom to Cosmos: 13-Year-Old Iniya Pragati Aims for the Stars (Image: Instagram/srm_public_school)

At just 13, when most children are focused on hobbies and projects, Iniya Pragati has become India’s youngest analogue astronaut. She earned this title after completing a gruelling mission in the Canadian Arctic. Her next dream is even greater, to travel to the Moon and Mars.

Iniya recently joined a scientific expedition to Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island. This island consists of some replicative conditions which are found on Mars. Based on these conditions, Iniya's ability was tested on the basis of her survival, fieldwork and endurance.

She encourages children, especially girls, to explore science and technology (Image: X/@srmps)

Space is not a fantasy for Iniya. She plans to begin with low Earth orbit, then move to the Moon and finally set foot on the Red Planet. Her ambitions received a major boost when she is selected for a 10-day NASA space training programme in 2026. This will make her one of the youngest Indians to take part in such training.

Her fascination with the stars began at the age of five. She started stargazing and that curiosity soon grew into a passion for space.

Iniya is a Mars Ambassador, which comes with responsibility. She motivates and educates students towards the importance of space sustainability. For her, space is not only about rockets and astronauts but also about inspiring youth to dream big.

She recently took part in a major Confederation of Indian Industry space event in Bengaluru. Indiya's parents and her school, SRM, are her biggest support system in the journey of becoming India's youngest analogue astronaut.

She is an inspiration for young minds of India. She is the new generation of space explorers who will define space travel.