108 countries, one satellite: All-girls space mission sets world record

In a landmark initiative bringing together science, technology and international cooperation, girls from 108 countries have come together to build a satellite that is set to be launched from India aboard the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), marking a world record for an all-girls space initiative.

Mission ShakthiSAT, led by Space Kidz India, has completed its Phase 2 programme in India, bringing together young women and representatives from across the world to work on spacecraft engineering and satellite development. Girls from different countries attend a discussion as part of Mission ShakthiSAT. (Photo: Space Kids India)

The initiative aims to go beyond conventional classroom-based space education by giving participants hands-on exposure to spacecraft systems, satellite engineering, electrical fabrication, payload integration and mission-related technologies.

A major highlight of the programme was the student-led development and integration of a 12U CubeSat, a compact satellite designed to accommodate multiple scientific and technological payloads.

Participants worked on different aspects of spacecraft assembly, including mechanical integration, spacecraft structure preparation, electrical assembly, solar panel soldering, power-bus preparation and payload integration. Girls who are part of Mission ShakthiSat pose with officials for a photo. (Photo: Space Kids India)

The programme also brought together international payload teams and institutions from countries including Latvia, Egypt, the United States, Brazil, Australia, Switzerland, the Philippines and India.

Mission documentation identifies collaborations involving the Egyptian Space Agency, University of South Alabama, Australian Astronomical Optics at Macquarie University, SMW Engineering, Shamal & Partners, 2H5, Indian Aerospace University and Space Kidz India. Girls from different countries participate in activities during Mission ShakthiSat. (Photo: Space Kids India) The involvement of institutions from different countries reflects the initiative's broader objective of using space technology as a platform for international scientific collaboration.

Beyond engineering, Mission ShakthiSAT has emerged as a platform for youth diplomacy, bringing together young women, women leaders, ambassadors and representatives from 108 nations.

The initiative has received support through engagement with India's wider diplomatic ecosystem, including the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighting the role of space education in fostering international cooperation. Girls are seen working on a satellite component as part of Mission ShakthiSAT. (Photo: Space Kids India)

By bringing together students from different cultural and national backgrounds, the programme seeks to create opportunities for young women to work collectively on a common scientific mission.

The initiative also aims to expand access to aerospace engineering and space science, fields traditionally associated with highly specialised technical training and professional institutions.

The completion of Phase 2 marks a significant milestone in the programme's satellite development journey, with the spacecraft expected to be launched from India. Participants of Mission ShakthiSat from different countries take a group photo. (Photo: Space Kids India)

By combining practical engineering with international participation, Mission ShakthiSAT seeks to demonstrate how young women can contribute to the development of space technology while building scientific partnerships across national boundaries.- EndsWith inputs from Sibu Tripathi