From nights spent staring at the stars in Nepal to attending graduate school at Texas A&M University, Jyoti KC is turning a lifelong passion for space exploration into action. Now, she is competing for the chance to carry the Nepali flag into space.
KC is a first-year master’s student in industrial and systems engineering, where she studies how engineering principles support complex systems and mission design. This summer, she launched her campaign for the SERAspace program, an international initiative in collaboration with Blue Origin’s New Shepard that includes mission simulations and real suborbital flight opportunities. Among 35,000 global applications, KC currently holds first place regionally and has earned Nepal a top five ranking. She may soon represent her country by carrying the Nepali flag into space.
KC’s participation in the program reflects years of curiosity, dedication and preparation, bringing her closer to achieving a lifelong dream.
“This isn’t just a personal milestone,” she said. “It is a symbolic journey for the millions of Nepalis who dream of seeing their country represented in space.”
Before attending Texas A&M, KC earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and served as an aerospace medical technician in the Texas Air National Guard. Her military experience taught her the importance of teamwork and discipline — lessons she said align closely with the Aggie Spirit.
“Texas A&M was a dream come true,” she said. “The university’s values of leadership, service, integrity and loyalty are the same principles I learned in the Air Force. Both teach you that challenges are opportunities to serve something bigger than yourself.”
For KC, participating in the SERAspace program carries profound significance, reflecting both personal achievement and the hopes of her community.
“It proves that someone from a small country with no space program can still make a significant contribution to humanity’s journey to space,” she said. “Just as Aggies carry pride in their traditions, this brings pride to every Nepali child who can now say, ‘With curiosity, perseverance and dedication, we can too.’”
It proves that someone from a small country with no space program can still make a significant contribution to humanity’s journey to space. Just as Aggies carry pride in their traditions, this brings pride to every Nepali child who can now say, ‘With curiosity, perseverance and dedication, we can too.’
Through the program, KC represents both Nepal and Texas A&M to a global audience.
“It’s about showing that the universe belongs to all of us,” she said. “This journey represents unity, hope and the belief that education can lift us all.”
KC’s long-term goal is to help establish a sustainable human presence in space. She sees industrial and systems engineering as essential for tackling challenges in human factors and integrating complex technologies.
“As both an engineer and a future astronaut-in-training, I see myself contributing by integrating these systems into missions that make space accessible and safe for humanity,” she said.
KC’s experiences in the SERAspace program, her military service and her studies at Texas A&M have deepened her appreciation for curiosity, perseverance and collaboration. She sees her journey as more than a personal achievement, viewing it as a way to inspire others to explore, learn and reach for ambitious goals.
Beyond the classroom, KC serves as a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador and volunteers at Space Center Houston, leading programs that inspire students and the public to engage with space and science.
“The most rewarding part is seeing curiosity come alive,” she said. “When a student realizes that space is not just science fiction, it’s their future, it makes every effort worth it.”
Reflecting on her own journey of perseverance and achievement, KC urges students to chase their dreams with determination and preparation. She stresses that challenges are a natural part of the process and can be transformed into valuable opportunities for growth.
“Dream boldly, but back your dreams with vision and discipline,” she said. “The universe will test your patience, your strength and your faith in yourself. But if you keep your vision alive, work hard every day and give more than you take, no dream is out of reach.”
KC is in the final phase of the SERAspace competition, training diligently in hopes of being selected for the mission. Her journey stands as a testament to perseverance, leadership and the Aggie spirit that drives exploration forward.