Space Kidz India, a Chennai-based space startup, has announced a groundbreaking mission that aims to shatter boundaries in science and education. By September 2026, the company plans to execute an all-women lunar mission, bringing together girl students from classes eight and nine across 108 countries. These young minds will collaborate with Space Kidz India’s team to achieve this ambitious goal.
The mission includes a satellite weighing 80 kilograms. It will feature an orbiter, a lander, and a propulsion module. The plan involves crash-landing this satellite on the moon’s surface. If successful, this mission will position Space Kidz India as the first private Indian player to conduct such a feat.
A Legacy of Innovation
Space Kidz India gained recognition in February 2023 through its AzaadiSat mission. This project brought together 750 girl students from government schools across India to construct a satellite. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched this satellite on its SSLV-D2 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Several organizations, including Hexaware Technologies, Ananth Technologies, and Lumina Datamatics, provided financial and logistical support for the AzaadiSat mission. The Indian government’s think tank, NITI Aayog, also played a key role in its success.
The Vision for ShakthiSAT
Building on the success of AzaadiSat, Space Kidz India is now preparing for its next challenge, ShakthiSAT. The mission will involve the training of 12,000 girls in satellite technology. This program begins in January 2025 and will take place online. The goal is to provide students with hands-on experience in spacecraft design.
After completing their training, one girl from each of the 108 participating countries will join the Space Kidz India team in Chennai. Together, they will construct the spacecraft for the lunar mission. This collaboration highlights the company’s commitment to empowering young women in STEM fields and promoting global unity.
A Step Toward Space Sector Transformation
India opened its space sector to private participation in 2020, leading to the emergence of over 250 space startups. Space Kidz India’s lunar mission will mark a significant milestone in this transformative era. The project aligns with the government’s vision of making India a global hub for space technology and innovation.
The mission will rely on ISRO’s expertise for launch and training. Space Kidz India has signed a memorandum of understanding with IN-SPACe, an autonomous agency under the Department of Space. This collaboration will provide academic support for the project.
Empowering Students Across the Globe
Space Kidz India aims to make space science accessible to students from underprivileged backgrounds. The company has reached out to ministries, space agencies, and educational organizations in various countries. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. By focusing on inclusivity, Space Kidz India plans to bring together diverse talent from around the world.
The training program will provide 120 hours of classes. These sessions will cover key aspects of satellite technology and spacecraft design. The company’s CEO, Srimathy Kesan, believes that this initiative will instill confidence and inspire young girls to pursue careers in space science.
Technical Details of the Mission
The satellite for the lunar mission will weigh 80 kilograms, a significant leap from AzaadiSat’s 12 kilograms. Space Kidz India plans to use India’s trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for this mission. The PSLV has a payload capacity of 1,750 kilograms, allowing multiple organizations to participate in the launch.
The estimated cost for the mission stands at $8-10 million. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds will primarily cover these expenses. Space Kidz India also plans to partner with global educational institutions and industry leaders to ensure the success of this mission.
Spreading India’s Message of Unity
Space Kidz India’s lunar mission aims to promote India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family). By involving students from 108 countries, the project seeks to build bridges across cultures and foster international cooperation in space exploration.
The company plans to create a sense of ownership and pride among the participating students. The mission will not only enhance their technical skills but also give them a platform to showcase their talent on a global stage.
Overcoming Challenges
Executing a mission of this scale involves several challenges. The team must ensure the satellite’s design, payload integration, and functionality meet the mission’s objectives. Collaborating with international participants adds another layer of complexity. Coordinating across different time zones, languages, and educational systems requires meticulous planning and execution.
Space Kidz India has already proven its ability to overcome challenges through the success of AzaadiSat. The company plans to leverage its experience and partnerships to navigate the complexities of the lunar mission.
Inspiring Future Generations
Space Kidz India’s initiatives go beyond space exploration. The company aims to inspire young girls to dream big and break societal barriers. By involving students in real-world projects, it provides them with opportunities to explore their potential.
The mission also highlights the importance of education in driving innovation. By making satellite technology accessible to students from humble backgrounds, Space Kidz India is democratizing access to space science.
A Collaborative Effort
Space Kidz India’s lunar mission is a testament to the power of collaboration. The project brings together students, educators, industry leaders, and government organizations. This collective effort showcases India’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to global progress.
Looking Ahead
As the world watches Space Kidz India’s journey, the mission serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through determination and innovation. By empowering young women and promoting international cooperation, the company is setting a new benchmark for private space exploration.
This mission represents a bold step forward for India’s private space sector. It also reinforces the country’s position as a leader in space technology and education. With the successful execution of this project, Space Kidz India will inspire countless others to follow in its footsteps.