Fourteen-year-old Mahima Rajput, a Class 10 student, has been selected by India to participate in Mission ShakthiSAT, an international student space program involving participants from 108 countries. As part of the initiative, he will travel to Delhi to join other selected students in satellite building activities before the mission’s planned launch in October.Mahima said she learned about the opportunity through her school principal and guidance teacher, after she registered for the program. She completed the necessary training before being selected to represent India in the international mission.The training covers space science and satellite technologyThe Mission ShakthiSAT curriculum consists of 21 modules and 365 lessons designed to introduce students to science, satellite technology and space missions. Mahima said the lectures strengthened the participants’ understanding of scientific concepts and provided practical knowledge of satellite development.The program also included training on the design and construction of satellites, giving students exposure to the various stages involved in developing a space mission.The Delhi program to bring together students from 108 countriesAccording to the mission schedule, the selected participants will meet in Delhi on August 23 for satellite integration activities. Students from 108 countries are expected to work together during this phase of the program before the planned launch in October.The organizers of the mission said that two satellites will be developed as part of the project. One satellite is destined for low Earth orbit, while another is part of the planned lunar mission. According to the mission plan, one satellite is expected to land on the lunar surface and another will orbit the Moon.International initiative led by Space Kidz IndiaThe ShakthiSAT mission was launched on January 16, 2025 by Space Kidz India as an international educational initiative focused on space science and student engagement. The program was conceived by Dr. Srimathy Kesan and is designed to encourage girls to pursue learning opportunities in science, technology and space research.The initiative brought together students, educators, scientists and institutions from around the world through a structured learning platform. Organizers said more than 8,300 students have participated in the Mission ShakthiSAT learning ecosystem, while the program has established partnerships with universities, aerospace organizations and research institutions in many countries.The mission is scheduled for launch in October and is intended to provide school students with hands-on experience in satellite development while promoting international cooperation in space education.
