ShakthiSAT mission brings girls from 108 countries to India

Young women from 108 countries are participating in the ShakthiSAT international space mission in Noida, India. The program, organized by Space Kidz India, involves adolescent girls in the design and assembly of a satellite that will eventually be launched toward the moon from an Indian space station.

Among the participants are Séphora Maganga Nziengui, a 17-year-old student representing Gabon, and 16-year-old Cassie Ralamboarivelo, representing Madagascar. The mission follows a two-phase process: a theoretical phase involving months of online STEM training in mathematics and physics, followed by a practical phase held in India through August 31.

The initiative is supported by the Indian Prime Minister, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and involves partnerships with NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Russian Space Agency. The program prioritizes girls aged 14 to 18, specifically those from disadvantaged backgrounds.