Published
Feb. 24, 2025
Region
Asia
client
Oceanthemes
Space Kidz India Launches Mission ShakthiSAT: All-Girls Spacecraft to Lunar Orbit
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Space Kidz India (SKI), an innovative Indian aerospace startup, has unveiled its groundbreaking project, Mission ShakthiSAT. This ambitious initiative aims to send an all-girls spacecraft to lunar orbit, inspiring young women globally to explore space science and technology.
International Collaboration
The mission has garnered international support, with women leaders (Devis) from nations such as the Republic of Palau joining the project. Dr. Neeraj A. Sharma, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Palau to India, has been instrumental in bringing Palau on board, with Ms. Uroi Salli representing the country as a Devi.
Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder & CEO of SKI, expressed her appreciation for Dr. Sharma’s involvement, stating, “Having Neeraj Sharma champion this initiative is a tremendous honour, as his influence extends far beyond diplomacy–his commitment to innovation and international cooperation embodies the true spirit of Mission ShakthiSAT.”
Project Partners and SKI's Track Record
Meridian Space Command, a UK-based space company, has partnered with ShakthiSAT for this project.
SKI has an impressive history of 19 Near Space Launch Vehicles, 3 Suborbital Payloads, and 5 Orbital Satellites launches over the past seven years.
The company’s previous project, AzaadiSAT, marked a historic milestone in space exploration.
Empowering Women in STEM
Mission ShakthiSAT aims to bridge the gender gap in the aerospace industry by having an all-women team design, fabricate, and operate a satellite destined for lunar orbit. Dr. Neeraj Sharma emphasized that this initiative “not only seeks to bridge the gender gap in the aerospace industry but also aims to inspire young girls worldwide to pursue careers in STEM fields.”
This pioneering mission represents a significant step towards inclusivity and empowerment in space exploration, potentially inspiring the next generation of women scientists and engineers.
