Namibian girls invited to participate in Indian satellite space project

The High Commission of India has announced the launch of Mission ShakthiSAT-Namibia, offering Namibian girls the opportunity to participate in a lunar orbit satellite launch.

Mission ShakthiSAT-Namibia will enrol 108 selected Namibian girls in a training programme.

“The objective is to empower female pupils to excel in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (stem) fields and to motivate them to further studies in these fields, specifically in satellite technology,” Indian high commissioner to Namibia Rahul Shrivastava said during the announcement in Windhoek on Wednesday.

The project includes a satellite launch to lunar orbit, putting participating girls at the forefront of space exploration.

Shrivastava says the initiative comes at a crucial time as Namibia embraces digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).

“AI is revolutionising sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and cybersecurity in Namibia. To achieve Namibia’s Vision 2030 goals, we need to promote stem studies and careers to the younger generation,” he says.

The training curriculum will focus on physics, mathematics, coding, and satellite technology.

“The training modules will help develop their engineering, mathematics, and programming skills, enhancing the country’s stem education landscape,” Shrivastava says.

After completing the online training, one top-performing participant will be selected for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to India for hands-on training in satellite design and fabrication.

“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will enable her to gain first-hand experience in designing, assembling, and testing satellite systems, paving the way for future innovations in Namibia’s space sector,” he says.

In Namibia the project will be spearheaded by Smita Francis, an expert in upstream space technology.

“Globally, there is a small percentage of women currently in space-related careers. This initiative will break stereotypes, fostering a generation of female scientists, engineers, and space professionals,” Shrivastava says.