Sarah Karim on Path to Become Bangladesh’s First Astronaut

Bangladesh is on the brink of celebrating a historic milestone as Sarah Karim, a young and accomplished scientist, has been selected as an astronaut candidate by Titans Space Industries. If ultimately confirmed, she will become the first Bangladeshi woman to venture into space, representing the nation on the international stage.

Sarah Karim shared her profound excitement and gratitude on social media, reflecting on a journey that began as a childhood dream. “I feel humbled and honoured to have been chosen as an astronaut candidate for Titans Space Industries’ 2026–2030 cohort. This is my first formal step towards becoming an astronaut. Insha’Allah, if all goes well, I will carry the flag of Bangladesh into space. It is a dream far greater than anything I imagined as a nine-year-old girl, who once watched Sunita Williams return from orbit with her father. That dream has been alive within me ever since, and now it is beginning to take shape,” she wrote.

Training and Mission Details

Sarah is scheduled to begin astronaut training next year, preparing for a historic orbital mission aboard the Titans Genesis spacecraft in 2029 or 2030. The mission will take her approximately 300 kilometres above Earth, under the leadership of veteran NASA astronaut Bill McArthur, who will serve as the chief mission commander.

Mission Overview

A Personal and Collective Triumph

Sarah emphasised that this achievement is not hers alone. “This moment belongs to every Bangladeshi girl who dreams quietly, to every child who looks up in awe, and to every mother carrying the weight of the universe on her shoulders,” she said.

She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her support network: “To my husband, who keeps my world together, and to everyone who has supported me—your prayers have carried me this far. I am deeply grateful to Neil S. Lachman and the entire Titans Space Industries family for believing in a girl whose childhood sky was nothing but dreams and hope. Thank you for granting me the honour of carrying the flag of Bangladesh into space. A childhood dream is finally becoming reality, and this is just the beginning.”

Sarah Karim’s selection is not only a historic moment for Bangladesh but also an inspiration to young women and aspiring scientists nationwide, demonstrating that determination, education, and vision can transform dreams into extraordinary reality.

Her journey promises to shine a light on the potential of Bangladeshis in international space exploration, encouraging a new generation of innovators, engineers, and explorers.