In a landmark achievement for the scientific community in Kashmir and India at large, 21-year-old Sadiq Ali Mir, hailing from the remote Labartal village in Budgam district, has been selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) by the prestigious Titans Space Industries Inc., a private aerospace company based in the United States.
Mir’s selection marks the first time a youth from Jammu and Kashmir has been chosen for an international space mission of such calibre, symbolizing a leap forward for aspiring scientists and engineers from conflict-affected regions.
From Snowy Kashmir to the Stars
Born into a humble household in Labartal, Mir’s story is one of perseverance, ambition, and excellence. His early education took place at IPS School and Al-Asma Educational Institute, Budgam, followed by higher secondary education at Government Higher Secondary School, Sholipora. Despite limited resources, his academic journey was marked by determination and a deep fascination with space.
The turning point in his life came during a snowfall in Kashmir when he was in the 7th grade. “I saw a bright object moving across the sky and thought it was a comet,” Mir told Rising Kashmir. “Later in 8th grade, I learned it was the International Space Station. That moment planted the seed of my dream—to become an aerospace engineer and astronaut.”
Academic and Professional Excellence
In 2021, Mir secured admission to the prestigious RV College of Engineering (RVCE) in Bengaluru, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering in August 2025. During his time at RVCE, he distinguished himself academically and as a leader of student-led innovation.
He co-founded Team AeroAstro, a student-driven aerospace initiative focusing on electric aircraft and space technology. Under his leadership as Team Leader and Project Manager, the team developed groundbreaking research and prototypes, garnering attention from professionals in India and abroad. He currently serves as an advisor to the team.
Mir also co-authored two research papers presented at the Annual AESI CFD Conference at BIT Mesra, focusing on:
- Supersonic aerodynamic analysis of performance reconnaissance aircraft via CFD
- CFD-driven design and analysis of a novel SR-72 Variant
He further served as Lead Systems Engineer for a lunar rover project at Milo Mission Academy, a collaborative initiative backed by NASA.
Titans Space Industries and the 2029 Mission
Following a rigorous selection process, Mir was chosen as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for Engineering and Development by Titans Space Industries Inc. His selection involved multiple technical assessments, personal interviews, and a background check by senior leaders at Titans, including:
- CEO Neal Lachman
- Chief Astronaut William McArthur (former NASA astronaut and U.S. Army Colonel)
- CTO Franklin Ratliff
The upcoming 2029 mission, in which Mir will participate, will be commanded by William McArthur and Marcos Pontes—Brazil’s first astronaut and the current Deputy Chief Astronaut at Titans. The mission will focus on:
- Orbital operations
- Scientific experimentation in space
- Long-duration habitation
- Advancing sustainable space exploration
Mir’s involvement is a recognition of his exceptional academic record, innovative contributions, and leadership in student aerospace projects.
Further Education and International Recognition
In addition to his astronaut training, Mir has secured admission to the Master’s in Space Systems program at Kepler Space University in Florida. Here, he will specialise in space systems design and mission planning, further aligning his academic trajectory with his mission role.
“This opportunity is not just about personal success,” said Mir. “It’s about representing India, Kashmir, and my alma mater RVCE on the global aerospace stage. I carry this responsibility with immense pride and humility.”
Acknowledgements and Gratitude
Mir credits his journey to the support of his family, mentors, and peers. He expressed special thanks to:
- Suhana Arsh – friend and supporter
- Vaseema Hussain – mentor and guide
- Titans Space leadership including Neal Lachman, Dr. V Vijay, Marcus Beaufort, and Franklin Ratliff
He also acknowledged faculty members at RVCE, including:
- Dr. K.N. Subramanya
- Dr. Ravindra S. Kulakarni
- Dr. Promio Charles F
- Dr. Supreeth R
- Dr. Benjamin Rohit
- Group Captain Deepak Bana
- Mr. George Salazar
A New Chapter for Kashmir
Mir’s selection as an astronaut candidate is more than just a personal victory—it’s a symbol of hope and inspiration for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those who dream of scientific careers in the face of adversity. His journey exemplifies that with talent, vision, and perseverance, even the most distant dreams can be reached.
As he trains for the 2029 mission, Sadiq Ali Mir stands as a proud ambassador of Budgam, of Kashmir, and of the boundless human spirit that dares to reach for the stars.
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