Four Australian students have been selected to represent Australia in Mission ShakthiSAT, an international space-focused initiative that aims to bring together girls from 108 countries through science, technology and education.
The Australian team comprises Aarvi Chhabra from New South Wales, Evelyn Larsen from Mildura in regional Victoria, Kathleen Roberts, a First Nations student from Victoria, and Dhanvi Deshpande from Queensland.
The students were selected following a process that organisers said assessed their interest in STEM, leadership qualities, determination and commitment to using science and technology to contribute to the future.
The Australian delegation will be led by Sukriti Narayanan, who serves as Australia’s Ambassador for Mission ShakthiSAT and as the initiative’s global head of partnerships.
According to the organisers, the Australian students are scheduled to participate in Mission ShakthiSAT activities from August 22 to 31, working alongside students from 108 countries. The programme is expected to provide participants with exposure to satellite technology, systems engineering, international collaboration and space innovation. They will be part of an initiative that will see a satellite launched into space.
For the families, seeing their daughters selected to represent Australia on a global stage has been a moment of immense pride. Their parents shared what the opportunity has meant for their daughters and their families:
“Watching Dhanvi go from a curious kid tinkering with science kits to someone selected to represent Australia in a global space mission has been incredible. This experience has given her a confidence and sense of purpose we’ve never seen before, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
— Dr Charita Deshpande, Dhanvi Deshpande’s mum
“We are incredibly proud of our daughter, Evelyn, for her dedication to her studies and strong ambition to continue her learning. Her selection as the Australian representative for Mission ShakthiSAT is a wonderful recognition of her hard work, curiosity and passion for STEM. We are excited to see her embrace this extraordinary opportunity and proudly represent Australia on the international stage.”
— Jeffrey Larsen, Evelyn Larsen’s dad
“Very proud of our daughter, Kathleen, for being selected for this fantastic opportunity that can only enhance her and all the other girls.”
— Shane Roberts, Kathleen Roberts’ dad
“I am incredibly proud and honoured that my daughter has been selected from New South Wales to represent Australia in Mission ShaktiSAT. The guidance, encouragement, and mentorship she has received throughout the program have helped her grow in confidence, resilience, teamwork, and her passion for STEM, making this an unforgettable and truly inspiring experience.”
— Monika Charaya, Aarvi Chhabra’s mum
The selection process involved a panel comprising Vinita Chanan, Strategic Director at UNSW; Professor Subhash Challa, founder of sensen.ai; Marilena Salvo from CSIRO; philosopher of science Tibor Molnar; Jessie Reis from the Australian Army; and Sam Nikolsky from Wyndham Tech School.
Mission ShakthiSAT, founded by Dr Srimathy Kesan, is a global-first, one-of-a-kind, female-led lunar satellite mission aimed at empowering girls around the world through space exploration and STEM. The initiative plans to eventually bring together 12,000 girls from 108 countries, providing opportunities to engage with space technology while fostering international collaboration, peace and unity.
The Australian participation is being supported by the AIMERS Foundation. The organisation has also acknowledged Sohni Singh, its State Director for Victoria, for her contribution to the Australian team’s participation in the initiative.
The selection gives the four students an opportunity to engage with an international cohort of young people working around a shared interest in space, STEM and emerging technologies, while representing Australia in a global educational programme.
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