Mission ShakthiSAT being launched today is an ambitious initiative featuring an all-girls spacecraft mission to the lunar-to-lunar orbit. This historic and interesting project aims to inspire young girls globally to explore and excel in space science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The mission is being launched by Space Kidz India (SKI), a Chennai-based Indian aerospace startup. The same company had developed AzaadiSAT, which involved young women in satellite development and space exploration. Over the past seven years, the SKI launched 19 Near Space Launch Vehicles, 3 Suborbital Payloads, and 5 Orbital Satellites.
The highlight of ShaktiSAT is the planned launch of the student-built satellite as part of ISRO's Chandrayaan-4 mission in 2026. This will provide the girls with a unique opportunity to contribute to a real space mission and see their creation journey to the Moon. “Through Mission ShakthiSAT, we aim to create a global platform where young women can lead, innovate, and excel in the space sciences. This project symbolises the limitless potential of women and their pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration,” remarked Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India.
🌕 ShakthiSAT: Peace and Power
— Space Kidz India (@SpaceKidzIndia) September 19, 2024
ShakthiSAT is a groundbreaking global mission that unites 12,000 young girls from 108 countries to collaboratively build a lunar satellite. This inspiring initiative is more than just a space mission—it's a movement to empower the next generation… pic.twitter.com/B2356hnOk1
Meridian Space Command, a UK-based space company, has joined hands with ShakthiSAT to bring this project to life. As part of this collaboration, Meridian will provide comprehensive mission management, operations, and transportation services using its UK-developed orbital transfer vehicle, a cost-effective technology designed to transport small payloads efficiently between Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Low-Lunar Orbit (LLO).
The UK company has expertise in mission management and in-space transportation. Based at Space Park Leicester in the United Kingdom and supported by the UK Space Agency, Meridian Space Command offers mission management and in-space transportation services, empowering teams with tools and skills for sustainable success. Its orbital transfer vehicle bridges the gap between LEO and LLO, expanding access to space for research, education, and commercial ventures.
The Lunar mission will be launched by September 2026 through the PSLV vehicle. “The Orbiter and Lander will be built with scientific experiments and we are collaborating with the Meridian Space Command, UK for an Electric Transfer Vehicle to carry the orbiter and lander to the Lunar orbit. We are intending a crash landing on the Moon. Currently, we have onboarded 97 out of the 108 countries,” remarked Kesan.
ShaktiSAT programme provides a comprehensive online training curriculum covering various aspects of space science, including fundamentals of space technology such as understanding orbits, satellites, and space missions. This will also involve payload development that includes learning about the instruments and experiments carried by satellites. It will also be about spacecraft systems which will involve gaining knowledge about the design and operation of spacecraft and will provide hands-on experience in building a satellite.
Following the online training, 108 girls (one from each participating country) will be selected for an intensive hands-on training programme in India. They will collaborate to design, build, and test a small satellite, gaining invaluable practical experience. In November 2024, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled its official poster in November 2024.
