Agency News

Space Kidz India Announces the Top 20 Young Scientists Selected for Mission ShakthiSAT – The World’s Largest All-Girls Lunar Satellite Mission

Chennai, India: Space Kidz India proudly announces the selection of the Top 20 Young Scientists from across India for Mission ShakthiSAT—an all-girls satellite mission to the Moon involving 12,000 girls from 108 countries. The mission is designed to inspire the next generation of women in science and space technology while fostering global collaboration through one shared vision.

Mission ShakthiSAT is creating an unprecedented global platform for collaboration, innovation, and leadership in space science. As part of this landmark initiative, one student from each of the 107 participating countries, alongside students from India, will come together in India to participate in a first-of-its-kind international space programme.

During the programme, the students will receive hands-on training in the complete satellite development lifecycle—from concept, design, payload integration, systems engineering, testing, and mission operations. Together, they will build two satellites: one intended for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and another designed for a future lunar mission, giving these young innovators an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to real-world space missions.

Mission ShakthiSAT aims to inspire and empower girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) with a predominant focus on space technology, while contributing meaningfully to the global space ecosystem through innovation, education, scientific research, and international cooperation.

The Top 20 Shakthis represent the diversity and strength of India. Selected from government and private schools across the nation, they come from varied social and economic backgrounds, demonstrating that talent, determination, resilience, and the courage to dream know no boundaries. Their selection was spearheaded by Wg Cmdr. Jaya Tare, the Mission Ambassador of India who has put in great effort and care in the selection. She was supported by teachers, and mentors from all over the Country.

This selection reflects academic excellence, curiosity, leadership potential, and an unwavering passion for science and innovation.

Top 20 Shakthis of Mission ShakthiSAT

  1. Tiya – School of Eminence, Mall Road, Punjab 
  2. Ku. Mahima Rajput – SAGES Tilaknagar, Gudhiyari, Chhattisgarh 
  3. Navya – Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi 
  4. Darshana Sharma – School of Excellence Bal Vinay Mandir, Madhya Pradesh 
  5. Maryam Tariq – Government Higher Secondary School, Fatehgarh Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir 
  6. Bhakti Santosh Rakecha – New English School, Kolhar Budruk, Maharashtra 
  7. Papai Srihitha – ZPHS Rampur, Telangana 
  8. Thejazeno L. K. Eyho – PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kohima, Nagaland 
  9. Anandi Sharma – Government Senior Secondary School, Tharpu, Sikkim 
  10. Riya Pawar – APS Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh 
  11. Swagatika Samantaray – Capital High School Unit-III, Odisha 
  12. N. Monika – Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Thirumangalam, Tamil Nadu 
  13. Ragnee Sahu – Government Aashi Bai Golchha Higher Secondary School, Chhattisgarh 
  14. Sujata Lall – Government Model Senior Secondary School, Andaman & Nicobar Islands 
  15. Jameela A – Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Thirumangalam, Tamil Nadu 
  16. Angel Kunwar – Swami Vivekanand Government Model School, Jhadoli, Rajasthan 
  17. Kandula Jessie – ZPGHS Dowleswaram, Andhra Pradesh 
  18. Vipaben Bariya Gulabbhai – EMRS Vejalpur, Gujarat 
  19. Madhumita Maity – Lakshya High School (HS), West Bengal 
  20. Lavanya Rana – APS Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh 

Mission Vision

Mission ShakthiSAT is far more than a satellite mission—it is a global movement that brings together 12,000 girls from 108 countries to learn, innovate, collaborate, and build the future of space exploration together. The mission seeks to create a generation of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who believe that space belongs to everyone and that international collaboration is the pathway to humanity’s future beyond Earth.

Leadership & Guidance

A note of thank you to Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, for his guidance and Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director (Promotions), IN-SPACe, for his continuous support.

Space Kidz India also extends its sincere thanks to Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO & Secretary, Department of Space, and Mr. Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO,

Mr. Krishnan, Director, ICP and Dy. Director Ms. Bhavani for their support and encouragement towards the next generation of space innovators.

A special note of gratitude is extended to Prof. Rana Pratap Singh, Vice Chancellor, Gautam Buddha University, together with Prof. Varshney, Prof. Dhanalakshmi, and the entire university community for standing firmly with Mission ShakthiSAT as the proud Host University. Special thanks to Greater Noida CEO Shri. Ravi Kumar and team.

Acknowledgments & Gratitude

Space Kidz India extends its heartfelt gratitude to every organization, institution, and partner whose guidance and support have strengthened Mission ShakthiSAT.

Our sincere appreciation goes to

  • IN-SPACe
  • ISRO
  • Department of Space
  • NITI Aayog
  • ICP Division, ISRO
  • Ministry of External Affairs
  • Meridian Space
  • Hexaware
  • Samskara Foundation

Their unwavering encouragement and partnership continue to strengthen Mission ShakthiSAT as it inspires thousands of girls worldwide and advances the shared vision of a more inclusive, collaborative, and innovative future in space exploration.

A Vision from the Founder

«”Mission ShakthiSAT is the Olympics of Space—there is no competition, only collaboration. Collaboration is the key.”

Dr. Srimathy Kesan

Founder & CEO, Space Kidz India»

About Space Kidz India

Space Kidz India is a pioneering aerospace organization dedicated to inspiring students through hands-on space education, satellite missions, scientific research, and global collaborations. With globally recognized initiatives such as KalamSAT, AzaadiSAT, and Mission ShakthiSAT, Space Kidz India continues to empower young minds, nurture future leaders, and make space education accessible to students across the globe.