Space Park Leicester’s Meridian Space Command joins Space Kidz India’s groundbreaking Mission ShakthiSAT
Dr Sam Richards, Director of Meridian Space Command and a key figure at Space Park Leicester, is playing a pivotal role in Space Kidz India’s historic Mission ShakthiSAT—an all-girls spacecraft mission to lunar orbit.
This ambitious project aims to inspire young women worldwide to engage with space science and technology, marking a significant milestone in inclusive and global space exploration.
Mission ShakthiSAT, led by Space Kidz India (SKI), brings together a coalition of international leaders, organisations, and young women from diverse backgrounds.
The mission, set to launch at the end of 2026 with support from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and participation from 108 countries, seeks to empower the next generation of space scientists and innovators by deploying cubesats in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), before, ambitiously travelling to Lunar Orbit and even attempting a micro lunar landing.
The inaugural meeting of the mission is set to take place virtually today, 16 January, with over 100 global ambassadors in attendance.
Dr Richards will join an esteemed panel to discuss the mission’s objectives, its impact on global space exploration, and the vital role of Meridian Space Command and Space Park Leicester.
Operating out of Space Park Leicester’s state-of-the-art facilities, Meridian Space Command have been instrumental in shaping Mission ShakthiSAT’s mission management and operations.
UK developed technology
Dr Richards will leverage his expertise to provide comprehensive support, including mission operations, mission education, and transportation services through Meridian’s cutting-edge transfer vehicle. This UK-developed technology is designed to efficiently transport small payloads between Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Low-Lunar Orbit (LLO).
Dr Richards said: “This partnership represents an exciting milestone for Meridian Space Command.
“We are proud to showcase our UK-developed technology in support of a mission that transcends borders and inspires students globally.
“By bringing our expertise in mission management and in-space transportation services to the table, we are not only supporting ShakthiSAT’s immediate objectives but also helping to pave the way for future innovators who will shape the trajectory of space exploration.”
Space Park Leicester has become a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the global space community. Its facilities and resources provide an environment where ground-breaking projects like Mission ShakthiSAT can thrive.
By hosting Meridian Space Command, the University of Leicester’s £100 million hub for space research and innovation reinforces its position as a centre for cutting-edge research, education, and commercial space endeavours.
Professor Nigel Bannister, Deputy Director at Space Park Leicester, said: “Space Park Leicester looks forward to the opportunity for collaboration with this initiative, addressing the educational, scientific, and societal benefits of Mission ShakthiSAT.
Limitless potential of young women in STEM
“By fostering international partnerships, we are contributing to a mission that embodies the transformative power of innovation and inclusivity in space exploration.”
Mission ShakthiSAT exemplifies the limitless potential of young women in STEM. By engaging students from diverse nations and cultures, the mission fosters a global platform for innovation and leadership.
Space Kidz India has a storied history of inspiring young minds through projects like AzaadiSAT and continues to break barriers with its latest initiative.
Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, added: “Through Mission ShakthiSAT, we aim to create a global platform where young women can lead, innovate, and excel in the space sciences.
“This project symbolises the limitless potential of women and their pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration.”
For more information about Mission ShakthiSAT and Meridian Space Command, please visit meridianspacecommand.com
Explore Space Park Leicester partnerships, missions, residents, facilities, training programmes and innovation products at: www.space-park.co.uk.
Main image: Mission ShakthiSAT poster.