At just 14, this Indian schoolgirl is chasing Moon: Class 10 student shares how she was selected for ShakthiSAT space mission with 108 countries

A 14-year-old Indian schoolgirl is set to take a giant step towards space exploration. Mahima Rajput, a Class 10 student, has been selected to represent India in ShakthiSAT, an international student space mission that brings together young participants from 108 countries.

According to ANI, Mahima will undergo hands-on training in satellite development before joining students from around the world to help build satellites that are expected to be launched later this year.

Who is Mahima Rajput?

Mahima Rajput is a Class 10 student who has been chosen from India to participate in the international ShakthiSAT mission.


Speaking to ANI, Mahima said she first learnt about the opportunity through her school principal and guidance teacher, who encouraged her to register for the programme.


She described her selection as a proud moment and said the training helped her understand the basics of space science and satellite technology.

How was Mahima selected?

According to ANI, Mahima completed an extensive training programme before being selected.

The course included:

• 21 training modules
• 365 lessons
• Basic concepts of science
• Satellite design and development
• Space mission planning

"The modules cleared our basic concepts about science and satellites and helped us a lot," Mahima told ANI.

She added that students also received practical knowledge about how satellites are designed and built.

What is ShakthiSAT?

ShakthiSAT is an international educational space mission aimed at introducing school students to the world of satellite technology and space exploration.

The programme brings together participants from 108 countries, giving them the opportunity to learn directly about:

• Space science
• Satellite engineering
• Mission planning
• International scientific collaboration

The initiative is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space researchers through practical learning.

What will Mahima do during the mission?

Mahima said that all selected participants will travel to Delhi on 23 August for the next phase of the programme.

During the event, students will work together to build satellites under expert guidance as part of the international mission.

The project aims to give students first-hand experience of how real space missions are planned and executed.

What is the mission plan?

According to information shared by Mahima with ANI, the mission includes two satellites with different objectives.

The proposed plan is:

• One satellite is expected to land on the Moon's surface.
• Another satellite will orbit the Moon.

The mission is currently scheduled for launch in October.