Carpenter's daughter from Andhra govt school selected for world's first all-girls lunar mission

A 14-year-old carpenter's daughter studying at a government school in Andhra Pradesh has been selected among 20 Indian participants for Mission ShakthiSAT, the world's first global all-girls lunar CubeSat mission. The programme received nearly 12,000 registrations from girls across 108 countries, reported TOI.

Kandula Jessie, a Class X student of Zilla Parishad Girls High School (ZPGHS) in Dowleswaram, is the only student from Andhra Pradesh to make the final Indian contingent. Beginning August 23, she will undergo training in New Delhi, where she will work with scientists on satellite design, payload development and mission operations for the student-built lunar CubeSat, which is proposed to be launched from Sriharikota on October 11.

Jessie's physical science teacher and Atal Tinkering Lab in-charge, Manimala, enrolled her in the programme last year after noticing her keen interest in science and innovation. Encouraged by the opportunity, Jessie also motivated eight other students from her school to register, reported TOI.


However, they later realised that the online coursework had already begun. Manimala contacted the programme coordinators and secured another opportunity for the students, allowing Jessie to continue her participation.

Despite preparing for her Class X board examinations, Jessie attended online classes every day after school and completed nearly 50-60% of the programme. The curriculum consists of around 550 sessions and 21 modules covering satellite systems, propulsion, thermodynamics and space technology.

"I found many concepts difficult initially because they were far more advanced than what we study in school, but I continued attending the classes every day," Jessie told TOI.

The selection process included online learning modules, a one-hour interview with scientists and programme coordinators, and a one-minute video explaining Mission ShakthiSAT and the importance of STEM education. Since the interview was conducted entirely in English with international experts, Jessie improved her communication skills with the help of her teachers and educational videos.

"I was nervous speaking to international scientists. I never expected a government school student like me would get selected," she told TOI.

Manimala said Jessie has always been one of the most active students at the school's Atal Tinkering Lab and has consistently taken part in science activities and competitions.

Jessie's mother, Aruna, said the family had shifted her from a private school to a government school because of financial difficulties.

"My husband is a carpenter and we have faced many struggles. Seeing my daughter confidently interact with international scientists was one of the proudest moments of our lives," she said.

The next phase of the programme will begin on August 23 in New Delhi, where participants will receive hands-on training and take part in National Space Day celebrations. Jessie also expressed excitement about the possibility of attending an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present.

"After getting selected for this programme, I feel that with hard work I can achieve my dream of joining ISRO. I also want to support my parents and make my teachers and school proud," she said.