In a powerful celebration of science, diplomacy, and women-led innovation, the mascot of Mission ShakthiSAT was unveiled at the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry Women Empowerment Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Meenakshi Lekhi, alongside Ruby Sinha, ambassadors, and delegates from BRICS+ nations—marking a defining moment for global collaboration in space exploration.
Conceptualised by Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, the Shakthi mascot stands as a vibrant symbol of strength, unity, and the limitless potential of young girls in shaping the future of space science.
Featuring 108 flags, the mascot represents participation from 108 countries, underscoring the mission’s truly global vision.
Rooted in the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), Mission ShakthiSAT aims to empower 12,000 girls worldwide through hands-on training in STEM, satellite engineering, coding, and space systems.
The initiative goes beyond inspiration, offering real-world experience and technical expertise through structured programs and collaborative learning.
Envisioned as the world’s first all-girls international lunar mission, ShakthiSAT will include both a Low Earth Orbit satellite and a lunar satellite designed for a hard landing on the Moon.
The mission emphasises shared knowledge, collective innovation, and equitable access to space—signalling a shift from competition to collaboration in the global space ecosystem.
India’s leadership in this ambitious initiative highlights its growing role as a unifying force in international space efforts.
By bringing together nations across geographies, the mission seeks to ensure that access to space is inclusive and not limited by economic or regional barriers, further strengthening institutions like ISRO and IN-SPACe.
Building on the success of AzaadiSAT—which saw 750 rural Indian girls contribute to a satellite launch—Mission ShakthiSAT expands this model globally, proving that talent exists everywhere when given the right opportunities.
The mission now enters a crucial phase, with selected students expected to arrive in India this August for payload integration, testing, and launch preparations.
With support from key organisations such as Hexaware Technologies, Ananth Technologies, and Zoho, the initiative continues to gain strong momentum.
Mission ShakthiSAT is more than a scientific project; it is a global movement. A movement that empowers girls to lead in space science, encourages nations to collaborate, and positions space as a shared platform for peace, progress, and collective human advancement.
With over 20 balloon satellites, multiple suborbital and orbital launches, and two rocket missions to its credit, Space Kidz India is now taking a bold leap forward—placing India at the forefront of an inclusive and collaborative era in space exploration.