At just 13 years old, Iniya Pragati from Chennai is already breaking barriers most adults only dream of. She recently completed a Mars-like research mission in the Arctic, becoming India’s youngest analogue astronaut to step into one of the world’s most extreme environments. And she is aiming higher, with her eyes set on the Moon and Mars.

"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 Low Earth Orbit, then Moon."

Her love for space began when she was just five, staring at the stars. "My interest in space started when I was five years old from night sky watching," she recalled. "It inspired me a lot. I started learning about basic things like the solar system and planets. Then I got so interested in Mars and decided I want to become an astronaut."

Iniya’s big leap came with a high Arctic expedition supported by the Mars Society, an international group that promotes space exploration. She travelled to Devon Island’s Haughton Crater, a 14-million-year-old impact site that looks similar to Mars.

"It was mostly like a space expedition," she explained. "I collected many samples of water and searched for microbes. I'm more into microplastics, studying if our pollution has reached the most remote areas. I'm currently doing my research."

Proudly, she added, "We are the first team to go into the center of the crater. We are researching the water samples I collected."

Iniya has also written three books, including “Evidence of Water on Mars.” She believes writing made her a better learner. "Writing a book made me a good reader. I started working for extended hours almost every day to read and understand Mars in every possible aspect."

Her passion for space extends into training as well. She has studied rocket design, propulsion, space architecture, and even trained in advanced scuba diving to prepare for astronaut life.

"I started researching how to become an astronaut and discovered that astronauts train in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at NASA," she said. "I started my swimming training holding my breath underwater and ultimately got trained in scuba."

Heading to NASA training in 2026

Her dedication has earned her a place at NASA’s 10-day space training programme in 2026, making her the youngest Indian to be selected. "I am looking for sponsors for my US journey," she said.

Iniya also serves as a Mars Ambassador, inspiring students to take up science and spreading awareness about space sustainability. "Being the Mars Ambassador is the best way to communicate the importance of this significant endeavour to our younger generation," she said.

Alongside her space journey, Iniya is active in social causes. She supports the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, especially quality education for girls and water conservation. "My inquisitiveness towards space has turned me into an author and a researcher," she said. "I want to create a habitat on Mars, my home."

Her parents are her biggest support system, while her school, SRM Public School in Chennai, encourages her spirit. Recently, she even took part in a major Confederation of Indian Industry space event in Bengaluru.

Iniya has met some of India’s space pioneers, including Rakesh Sharma, the country’s first astronaut. “He told me, ‘Do hard work, be consistent, don't leave your dreams,’” she recalled. She also had a memorable meeting with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who travelled to the International Space Station.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing plans to send 40–50 Indian astronauts into space and a goal for an Indian to walk on the Moon by 2040, Iniya says she is ready. "Of course, why not? I will be going to space in India. Indian space programme."