Luxembourg students are taking part in the global ShakthiSAT Mission, an international initiative aimed at encouraging girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and space-related careers.
The project is led by Space Kidz India and seeks to empower 12,000 girls from 108 countries through space education and satellite development. The initiative is supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the United Nations (UN) and UNICEF.
Seven students from Lënster Lycée International School (LLIS) in Junglinster joined the global initiative. According to the organisers, after completing the majority of the intensive STEM training modules, four Luxembourg students have now reached the final stage of the programme and are currently continuing their advanced lessons and evaluations. One selected participant will receive the opportunity to travel to Chennai, India, to take part in the final hands-on satellite launch program alongside international space scientists and students from around the world.
"LLIS, as an international school in Luxembourg, is proud and grateful to be part of Mission ShakthiSAT. The project reflects our values: curiosity, excellence and meaningful global collaboration. As a school, we're truly happy to join this initiative and to see our students, especially our girls, step into science, technology and international teamwork with such motivation. This is exactly what education should enable", said Marc Zimer, physics teacher at Lënster Lycée.
The initiative is centred around the message: "Every girl deserves to reach the stars."
ShakthiSAT is designed to provide young women with real-world experience in space technology. Each participating country will select 108 students to join a 120-hour virtual training programme, covering topics such as coding, mathematics, physics, astronomy, satellite technology and space mission design.
One standout student from each nation will then be fully funded to travel to Chennai, India, for a hands-on satellite development training, working alongside space scientists to build and launch ShakthiSAT into lunar orbit.
Each participating country has a Woman Ambassador, known as a "Devi". Luxembourg is actively supporting this mission by inviting local educational institutions to nominate talented young women to take part.
Alexandra Tsyliya, strategic communications expert and Luxembourg's key ambassador for the mission, emphasised the significance of this opportunity: "Every girl's journey – her challenges, dreams, and achievements – deserves to be seen and celebrated. This mission is about breaking barriers. By participating, young women will gain invaluable technical skills, leadership experience and international exposure. The world is waiting for them to shine!"
According to the organisers, the mission also aims to address gender imbalance in the space industry, where women currently account for around 20% of jobs.
Alba Mustafai, Head of Partnerships & Cooperation at Women in Tech Luxembourg, said: "Encouraging girls to excel in any field isn't just about careers - it's about conquering self-doubt and embracing your full potential. When we focus on building confidence and showcasing our authentic capabilities, we naturally inspire others to do the same."
Participants in the programme receive more than 120 hours of STEM training, opportunities to collaborate internationally and a certificate from Space Kidz India.
"Through Mission ShakthiSAT, we aim to create a global platform where young women can lead, innovate and excel in space sciences. My goal is to nurture the next generation of engineers, astronauts, scientists, innovators," explained Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder & CEO of Space Kidz India.
