Mission ShakthiSAT 2026, Launch, Eligibility, Latest News

Mission ShakthiSAT 2026 is a global all girls space education initiative led by Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India. It aims to connect 12,000 girls from 108 countries with satellite technology, space science and innovation. The programme combines online learning, technical training and international collaboration. Its larger objective is to prepare young girls to participate in future space exploration and technology missions.

Why is Mission ShakthiSAT in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Mission ShakthiSAT during the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 30 August 2026. Mission ShakthiSAT is the world’s first global all girls Lunar CubeSat Mission. He noted that 12,000 girls from 108 countries are receiving opportunities to learn satellite technology and explore innovation.

What is Mission ShakthiSAT 2026?

Mission ShakthiSAT is designed as an international platform where girls learn satellite development and contribute to payload related activities. The programme seeks to combine space education with gender inclusion and global cooperation.

• Launch: The Mission was launched on January 16, 2025 with first aim expected in 2027.
• Leadership: Mission ShakthiSAT is spearheaded by Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Chennai based Space Kidz India, which works to make space science accessible to young learners.
• Global participation: The programme involves approximately 12,000 girls from 108 countries. It provides participants from different regions an opportunity to learn satellite technology and work together.
• Age eligibility: Girls from African and Latin American countries are eligible in the 14-18 years age group. Participants from other regions are selected in the 14-16 years age group.
• Selection process: Candidates complete online coursework, attend a one hour interview with scientists and programme coordinators and submit a one minute video explaining Mission ShakthiSAT and STEM education.
• Training programme: Selected participants complete a 21 module space programme developed by international professors from the US, Europe and India. Around 120 hours of online training covers spacecraft systems, programming and payload development.
• Technical exposure: Participants learn about space science, coding, electronics, payload systems, satellite structures and mission design. Students also work on areas such as satellite structures, solar panels, thermal systems and electronics.
• Mission objective: The initiative aims to promote girls’ participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It also seeks to develop international cooperation in space science and technology.
• Lunar objective: The central goal is to prepare a satellite involving girl students for deployment towards lunar orbit. Student developed payloads are intended to support experiments and technical activities.
• Launch plan: The launch plan is scheduled from India in 2027. The mission is planned to use ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
• Payload configuration: Two payloads are planned under the programme. One is intended for Low Earth Orbit, while another is planned for a lunar trajectory.
• National significance: Mission ShakthiSAT highlights India’s role in promoting inclusive space education. It also strengthens the participation of young women in emerging space technology and innovation.

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Mission ShakthiSAT Significance

Mission ShakthiSAT is supported through collaboration among India’s space institutions and educational organisations, creating opportunities for international student participation.

• ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation is leading the mission and is associated with the planned launch and spaceflight objectives of Mission ShakthiSAT.
• IN-SPACe: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre is facilitating private sector participation in the programme and supporting wider involvement in India’s space ecosystem.
• Space Kidz India: Space Kidz India coordinates student participation, educational activities and payload development. It is led by Dr Srimathy Kesan and is based in Chennai.
• National Space Day 2026: The second phase of the mission was highlighted on 23 August 2026, National Space Day. The event demonstrated the programme’s connection with India’s broader effort to encourage young people towards space science.
• Global outreach: The initiative also seeks participation from girls in remote areas of India. This expands access to space education beyond major urban centres and supports wider participation in advanced technology fields.
• International support: The programme is also supported by UK based Meridian Space Command. This adds an international dimension to the mission’s training and space sector collaboration.
• Women led space participation: Mission ShakthiSAT supports a broader focus on women led development by creating a platform where young girls can gain exposure to satellite technology, innovation and international scientific cooperation.