MISSION ShakthiSAT is an ambitious all-girl satellite and space technology initiative led by Chennai-based Space Kidz India, founded by Dr. Srimathy Kesan. Launched on January 16, 2025, the initiative brings together 12,000 girls between the ages of 14 and 18 from 108 countries, with the vision of empowering young women across the globe through the inspiring world of space exploration.
Considered the world’s first initiative of its kind, Mission ShakthiSAT places young women not on the margins of a science programme but firmly at its centre. The girls are not simply participants; they are being trained to conceptualise, design and contribute to the execution of a space mission, providing them with practical exposure to space science and satellite technology.

The initiative is driven by the vision of creating opportunities for young girls while challenging traditional barriers that have limited women’s and girls’ participation in STEM and the space sector. The programme was offered free of cost to all participating girls, providing young women from diverse backgrounds and countries with access to specialised space technology education and training.
The programme is being implemented in two phases. Phase One, which concluded in mid-2026, entailed participants undergoing 120 hours of rigorous online theoretical training in areas of mathematics, physics, coding, ham radio technology, PCB designing, and payload development. Through 21 modules and over 365 lessons, participants were introduced to the fundamental concepts and technical knowledge required to understand how a satellite is developed.
Phase Two brings together one selected young girl from each participating country in India for an intensive, hands-on space technology programme. The girls will build on the knowledge gained during their online training and gain first-hand insight into the processes involved in developing and executing a space mission.
GUYANA’S ROLE IN MISSION SHAKTHISAT
Quietly leading Guyana’s role in Mission ShakthiSAT is Ms. Devica Uditram, the appointed Ambassador to Guyana. Over the past year, 30 young girls from Guyana were enrolled in the programme and have been exposed to the free curriculum, gaining knowledge and developing their understanding of satellite systems. Ms. Uditram has been responsible for coordinating Guyana’s participation in the programme, supporting the girls throughout their journey, and helping to facilitate their engagement with the initiative. In recognition of her role in Mission ShakthiSAT, she was featured in HERizon: Women Shaping STEAM Campaign- an initiative launched by the CARICOM Secretariat highlighting Caribbean women who lead and innovate in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
From the group of participants, Ms. Nareeta Devi Nandkumar was selected to represent Guyana at Phase Two of the programme. Nareeta will travel to New Delhi, India, from August 22 to August 31, 2026, where she will join young girls from countries around the world. During this phase, she will learn from prominent scientists and engineers, engage in an immersive experience in real-time satellite design, fabrication, testing, coding, and integration activities, while experiencing cultural exchange and international collaboration. Two satellites will be developed which will be launched into lunar orbit.
Ms. Uditram will also participate in a Global Women Leadership and Space Diplomacy Summit, aimed at building a global network through education, leading change, and inspiring generations in space and science.
For Guyana, this moment represents an important step in opening new pathways for young people to see themselves as contributors to the global space and technology community. Nareeta’s selection demonstrates that opportunities in space science are not beyond the reach of young people in Guyana. Her participation offers girls across the country the opportunity to see themselves not only as students of STEM, but as future scientists, engineers, innovators and leaders capable of contributing to some of the world’s most exciting frontiers.