Mission ShakthiSAT is widening the reach of its flagship lunar initiative by welcoming new global collaborators. Chennai, India — 26 May 2026 — Under the guidance of Dr. Srimathy Kesan, the pioneering all-girls lunar satellite program, Mission ShakthiSAT, is actively broadening its international presence. The project is currently inviting universities, global organizations, industry leaders, STEM advocates, educators, and policymakers to contribute to what has evolved into a major worldwide educational space endeavor.
Led by Space Kidz India, the initiative is committed to empowering more than 12,000 girls across 108 nations, with a core focus on space science, leadership, diplomacy, and collaborative research. Since its launch on 16 January 2025, the mission has developed into a strong international network connecting ambassadors, scientists, educators, and students, all bound by a common goal of advancing space education and leadership opportunities for young women.
A major milestone has been reached with the launch of a 21-module curriculum, now available on the Zoho Learn platform. Developed by a collective of professors, scientists, and international experts, the coursework provides students with practical experience in fields such as satellite technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and leadership. The program is designed to foster scientific curiosity, teamwork, and essential future-ready skills among young women around the world.
Mission ShakthiSAT is backed by a distinguished international advisory board, featuring Dr. Claire Nelson, Dr. Hashima Hasan, Alma Okpalefe, Huma Siddiqui, Maria Militsopoulou, Melina Maghazehi, and Yip ThyDiep Ta. The collective global expertise and leadership of these members are instrumental in bolstering the mission’s international reputation and its collaborative goals.
As the project moves into Phase 2, the focus is shifting toward scientific exchange, international cooperation, and satellite integration, with plans to include payload concepts from across the globe. Key partners include Macquarie University for Australia, Shamaal Space for South America, the University of South Alabama and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for the United States, the Egyptian Space Agency for the African continent, and SMW Engineering for Europe. These partnerships underscore a dedication to global unity and shared innovation in space exploration.
By merging aerospace technology with the creative arts, Mission ShakthiSAT is redefining how scientific projects are visually presented. The team is currently seeking collaborations with leading fashion design schools, photographers, and makeup artists to build a unique, globally recognized brand identity for this historic project.
To support this vision, the mission will host the world’s first "Space Meets Fashion" Ramp Show on 29 August 2026. This event will highlight the intersection of space science, sustainability, and creativity on a global stage. Organizers are calling on fashion schools, creative studios, and visual artists to participate. Additionally, the International Women Diplomacy Summit is set for 28 August 2026. This forum will bring together women leaders, scientists, policymakers, and young changemakers to discuss topics including STEM, diplomacy, and sustainability. Further details regarding the summit, including registration, will be released soon.
Beyond its educational objectives, Mission ShakthiSAT is championing a new approach to resource management in Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). By aligning the goals of various nations toward collective scientific discovery, the project aims to reduce the need for redundant satellite launches. A single, shared satellite can efficiently gather and distribute data among all partners. This strategy demonstrates how international cooperation can help manage orbital congestion and improve space debris mitigation. Furthermore, the mission intends to launch a dedicated LEO satellite to promote sustainable space practices and responsible orbital use for future generations.
This historic mission is scheduled to launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on 11 October 2026, a date that coincides with the International Day of the Girl Child. Mission ShakthiSAT is more than just a satellite project; it serves as a global platform for peace, innovation, and education. It captures the ambitions of young girls worldwide and aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and leaders. As the project expands, Mission ShakthiSAT invites universities, corporations, and government entities to join in shaping the future of women in the space sector.
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