Class 10 student Kandula Jessie will represent Andhra Pradesh

For 14-year-old Kandula Jessie, a Class 10 student from a government school in Andhra Pradesh, a passion for science has translated into an extraordinary opportunity. The daughter of a carpenter has been selected among 20 students from India to participate in Mission ShakthiSAT—the world's first international all-girls lunar CubeSat mission.

The prestigious programme drew nearly 12,000 registrations from girls across 108 countries, making Jessie's selection a remarkable achievement. She is also the only participant from Andhra Pradesh to secure a place in the mission. Beginning August 23, Jessie will travel to New Delhi for an intensive training programme, where she will work alongside scientists on satellite design, payload development, systems engineering, and mission operations for a student-built lunar CubeSat.

A Teacher Who Recognised Potential

Jessie's journey began in the classrooms of Zilla Parishad Girls High School (ZPGHS), Dowleswaram, where her physical science teacher and Atal Tinkering Lab coordinator, Manimala, noticed her curiosity and enthusiasm for science. Believing Jessie had the potential to thrive in an advanced STEM programme, her teacher encouraged her to apply for Mission ShakthiSAT. Inspired by the opportunity, Jessie also motivated eight of her classmates to register for the programme.

While balancing her Class 10 studies and board examination preparation, Jessie attended daily online sessions covering topics far beyond her school curriculum, including satellite systems, thermodynamics, propulsion, orbital mechanics, and space technology. Despite finding the coursework challenging at first, she persevered and has already completed more than half of the programme's academic modules.

Preparing the Next Generation of Women in Space

Mission ShakthiSAT is an international educational initiative led by Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India. The programme aims to equip young girls with practical knowledge in space science while nurturing future scientists, engineers, innovators, and global leaders through collaborative learning and real-world satellite development.

The selection process was rigorous. Participants completed specialised online coursework, underwent a one-hour interview with scientists and programme coordinators, and submitted a one-minute video explaining the significance of Mission ShakthiSAT and the importance of STEM education. Since the interview was conducted entirely in English with international experts, Jessie worked diligently to strengthen her communication skills with guidance from her teachers and online educational resources. Reflecting on her achievement, Jessie said:

"I was nervous speaking to international scientists. I never imagined that a government school student like me would be selected."

A Historic Mission Set for Launch

The lunar CubeSat developed under Mission ShakthiSAT is scheduled to launch from Sriharikota on October 11. The mission is expected to become the world's first lunar CubeSat designed and developed exclusively by female students, marking a significant milestone for women in STEM education and demonstrating the growing role of young learners in the future of space exploration.

Why This Matters

Jessie's selection is more than a personal achievement—it is a powerful reminder that talent exists everywhere, even where opportunities often do not. Her journey illustrates how supportive educators, access to STEM initiatives, and perseverance can help students from government schools compete on international platforms. As India continues to invest in scientific innovation and space research, stories like hers underscore the importance of making quality STEM education accessible to every aspiring learner, regardless of background.

Editor's Note

The most compelling stories in education are rarely about institutions—they are about possibility. Jessie's journey invites us to reconsider where innovation begins. It does not always emerge from elite laboratories or prestigious schools. Sometimes, it starts in a modest government classroom, where a curious student asks one more question, a teacher notices untapped potential, and an opportunity arrives at just the right moment.

Mission ShakthiSAT is not simply preparing students to build a satellite; it is expanding who gets to imagine themselves as part of humanity's future in space. When young girls from diverse social and economic backgrounds are given access to advanced scientific learning, they do more than participate—they redefine expectations. Jessie's story is a reminder that the next generation of explorers may already be among us, waiting not for talent, but for a chance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Kandula Jessie?

Kandula Jessie is a 14-year-old Class 10 student from Zilla Parishad Girls High School in Dowleswaram, Andhra Pradesh, who has been selected for Mission ShakthiSAT.

2. What is Mission ShakthiSAT?

Mission ShakthiSAT is the world's first international all-girls lunar CubeSat mission, designed to provide students with practical training in satellite development, space science, and mission operations.

3. How many students were selected for the programme?

Jessie is among 20 students selected from India after a competitive international selection process that attracted nearly 12,000 registrations from 108 countries.

4. What training will the selected students receive?

Participants will receive hands-on training in satellite design, payload development, systems engineering, mission planning, and other aspects of space technology under the guidance of scientists.

5. What was the selection process like?

Candidates completed online coursework, participated in technical interviews with scientists, and submitted a video explaining Mission ShakthiSAT and the importance of STEM education.

6. Who is leading Mission ShakthiSAT?

The programme is led by Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, with the goal of encouraging girls to pursue careers in science and engineering.

7. When and where will the CubeSat launch?

The student-built lunar CubeSat is scheduled to launch from Sriharikota on October 11.

8. Why is Jessie's achievement significant?

She is the only student from Andhra Pradesh selected for the programme and represents how students from government schools can excel on international STEM platforms with the right mentorship and opportunities.

9. Why does Mission ShakthiSAT matter?

The initiative promotes gender inclusion in STEM by providing girls with practical experience in space technology, helping build confidence and preparing them for future careers in science and innovation.

10. What broader message does Jessie's story convey?

Her journey demonstrates that talent is not determined by economic background or the type of school a student attends. With access to quality mentorship and learning opportunities, students from every corner of society can contribute to global scientific advancement.