• Historic Global All-Girls Lunar Mission Strengthens International Collaboration in STEM and Space Education

Colombo, Sri Lanka. 09 May 2026. Mission ShakthiSAT, the historic global initiative led by Space Kidz India, has officially expanded its presence to Sri Lanka through a strategic collaboration with Women in Management Global, marking another significant milestone in the world’s first all-girls lunar satellite mission.

The initiative was formally introduced during a high-level meeting between Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, and the  Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne. The discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation in space science, STEM education, innovation, and technological empowerment for young girls.

Mission ShakthiSAT is a first-of-its-kind global lunar mission bringing together 12,000 girls from 108 countries to collaboratively design, build, and launch a satellite to the Moon. The mission aims to provide young women with direct exposure to satellite technology, PCB design, coding, systems engineering, and hands-on STEM education while fostering global unity, leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Sri Lanka now joins this historic global movement in partnership with Women in Management Global under the leadership of Dr. Sulochana Segera.

Speaking during the interaction, Dr. Srimathy Kesan emphasized that Mission ShakthiSAT is not merely a space mission, but a transformational global platform focused on empowering girls through education, innovation, leadership, and international collaboration.

“Mission ShakthiSAT is about creating opportunities for girls to become future scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders. Through this initiative, we are building a global ecosystem where young minds learn, create, and collaborate beyond borders for a shared vision of progress and peace,” said Dr. Srimathy Kesan.

As part of the program, selected students from participating countries will travel to India for an intensive hands-on satellite training program scheduled from August 23 to September 1, 2026. During this immersive experience, participants will engage in real-time satellite design, fabrication, testing, coding, and integration activities while experiencing cultural exchange and international collaboration.

The two-phase educational program has been designed to ensure accessibility and inclusion for students aged 14 to 18 years, irrespective of financial or social background.

Phase One

Students will undergo foundational STEM learning through 21 structured modules covering:

  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Electronics
  • Coding
  • Systems Engineering
  • Space Technology Fundamentals
Phase Two

Participants will advance into practical satellite integration and mission preparation leading toward the historic Moon mission.

Mission ShakthiSAT has already engaged more than 7,800 students globally and continues to expand its international network through collaborations with governments, institutions, educators, and industry leaders.

Mission ShakthiSAT also received appreciation and encouragement from Droupadi Murmu during a recent interaction, further reinforcing the initiative’s vision of building a global movement for women in STEM and space exploration.

The Sri Lankan chapter of Mission ShakthiSAT is supported by several distinguished leaders and organizations, including:

  • Srimathy Kesan – Founder & CEO, Space Kidz India
  • Dushyantha Tittawella – General Manager, Cinnamon Lakeside
  • Shehara De Silva – WIM Global EXCO Member
  • Sayumi Jayawardena – Honorary EXCO Secretary, New Generation Sri Lanka
  • Kavan Ratnatunga – Astrophysicist & Past President of the Archaeological Society of Sri Lanka
  • Sulochana Segera – Founder, Women in Management Global