New Delhi – Eswatini is taking part in Mission ShakthiSAT, an international all girls lunar satellite programme bringing together young women from 108 Commonwealth and partner countries in India.
The Kingdom’s participation is a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, the Ministry of Education and Training, the High Commission of India in Mbabane and Space Kidz India.
Representing Eswatini is Tiyandza Melokuhle Ndlovu, a Form Five learner at St Theresa High School. She was selected as the Kingdom’s top participant after completing a three month online space science programme.
Ndlovu is accompanied by Nokulindwa Annie Dlamini, an ICT officer and advocate for girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Dlamini is serving as Eswatini’s country ambassador for Mission ShakthiSAT.
The Eswatini delegation will participate in the programme from 22 to 31 August 2026. Activities include satellite integration, payload development, space diplomacy sessions, women’s leadership dialogues and cultural and technical exchanges with participants from other countries.
Mission ShakthiSAT is led by Dr Srimathy Kesan, the mission director of Space Kidz India. The programme aims to provide young women with practical exposure to space science, satellite technology, innovation and international cooperation.mid-day+1
Eswatini’s organisers said the country’s involvement would help develop the skills, confidence and leadership abilities of young women as the Kingdom expands its focus on STEM education and the digital economy.
The programme is also expected to support Eswatini’s ambitions in artificial intelligence, robotics, big data and space science.
The initiative comes as the Kingdom works towards developing a national space science policy, establishing a domestic astronomical observatory and laying the foundation for a future space agency.
The organisers said programmes such as Mission ShakthiSAT would help build the technical skills and human resources required to support Eswatini’s future space economy.
The organisers also expressed appreciation to Dr Kesan for her work in creating opportunities for young women to participate in space science and STEM programmes.
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