Guyanese teenager Nareeta Devi Nandkumar is representing the country in India at Mission ShakthiSAT, an international space technology programme involving girls from 108 countries.
Nandkumar was selected from 30 Guyanese participants who completed the programme’s first phase,120 hours of online training in mathematics, physics, coding, satellite systems and payload development.
She is now participating in the hands-on phase in New Delhi, where young delegates are working with scientists and engineers in satellite design, fabrication, testing, coding and integration.
The initiative, led by Chennai-based Space Kidz India, has trained 12,000 girls between the ages of 14 and 18. Organisers say two satellites developed through the mission will eventually be launched into lunar orbit.
Guyana’s participation has been coordinated by local ambassador Devica Uditram, who is also attending a Global Women Leadership and Space Diplomacy Summit.
The programme aims to expand opportunities for girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while preparing them to contribute directly to the global space sector.
