Mission ShakthiSAT: Girls From 108 Countries Build One Satellite
Mission ShakthiSAT brings girls from 108 countries together to gain hands-on experience in satellite engineering and develop a 12U CubeSat.
Girls from 108 countries are participating in Mission ShakthiSAT, an international space initiative led by Space Kidz India that aims to provide hands-on experience in satellite engineering and spacecraft development.
The programme has completed its second phase in India, bringing participants together to work on the development and integration of a 12U CubeSat. The compact satellite is designed to accommodate multiple scientific and technological payloads and is expected to be launched from India aboard the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
Participants have been involved in several stages of spacecraft development, including structural preparation, mechanical and electrical integration, solar-panel soldering, power-bus preparation and payload integration. The programme is designed to take space education beyond classrooms by giving students practical exposure to engineering and mission operations.
Mission ShakthiSAT also involves international institutions and payload teams, with participation and collaborations spanning countries including India, Egypt, the United States, Australia, Switzerland, Brazil, Latvia and the Philippines.
Beyond satellite development, the initiative aims to encourage international scientific collaboration and expand opportunities for young women in aerospace and space science. It has also brought together students, women leaders, ambassadors and representatives from participating countries.
The completion of Phase 2 marks another milestone before the satellite's planned launch from India. With students from 108 nations working on one spacecraft, this classroom project has basically upgraded itself to international space teamwork.
