New Delhi: In October 2024, Space Kidz India opened a brand new chapter for global space exploration with ShakthiSAT, an initiative that boosts female leadership in space like never before. This initiative speaks of empowerment in every way: space-tech, global leadership, and young female ambassadorship. While it may be a dream for many, this aerospace startup has found the perfect bridge between diversity, science, and equity. Breaking away from the conventional space-race, Space Kidz India has constructed a brand new path by onboarding 12000 talented girls, representing 108 nations, making ShakthiSAT one of the most diverse collaborations in space history.
100 girls in Colombia selected to participate in the ShaktiSat mission from over 3,500 applicants. (Image Credit: Agencia Espacial de Colombia).
SpaceKidzIndia has a long history of building and deploying student satellites, and has already launched two KalamSats, two AzaadiSats, the Satish Dhawan Satellite (SDSat) and the Space Rickshaw on the third SSLV demonstration flight. For the ShaktiSat mission, teams of girl students from 108 countries around the world will go through an intensive programme on satellite design and assembly in their home countries. 108 girls will then travel to India next year, to build the satellite here, before it piggybacks on the Chandrayaan 4 mission to the Moon by ISRO. While an ISRO launch is the preference, ShaktiSat also has an option to reach the Moon on a Hakuto lander by the private Japanese company iSpace.
Gateway to International Space Exploration opportunities
The mission is simple, expanding space exploration by building a satellite. What makes this mission special is who the builders are and what they represent. Unlike most lunar satellite projects that keep science confined to scientists and engineers, ShakthiSAT is giving a direct ticket to students to gain years worth of space science experience. The curriculum is designed to provide focussed skillsets in Physics, Mathematics, PCB designing, Programming, Coding, and Testing. This accelerates India beyond the usual intense academic rat race. This mission is about delivering skill based experiences, not just classroom lectures.
Model of ShaktiSat by SpaceKidzIndia on display during the second National Space Day celebrations at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. (Image Credit: Aditya Madanapalle).
The ShaktiSat mission brings together 108 countries, which is among the largest international collaborations for a single student satellite. One of the greatest perks for the participants is the chance to collaborate across borders and engage with global space agencies. Expanding beyond satellites, ShakthiSAT is building a global alliance. Embassies, institutes, NGOs and UN Organizations will be participating in this historical space exchange. Working with so many countries across the world paves the way for these nations to use the services of ISRO or the number of New Space companies developing small rockets to cater to the burgeoning demand for deploying microsatellites and nanosatellites.
Editor’s review: ShakthiSAT is one of the greatest opportunities open to the public. The project is the opposite of limitations. While many great Space related opportunities bind participants with Nationality and Citizenship restriction, this mission rather encourages global delegations in space. I can not wait to see how things come out for Space Kidz India, the young talented participants and this specific project. ShakthiSAT proves that it is not just sending payloads to space; it’s launching a new generation of unstoppable women in the global space economy.
By Jiya Mishra