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A Maldivian student has been selected to represent the Maldives in the second phase of Mission ShakthiSAT, an international programme aimed at encouraging girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Aminath Noya Sameeh will take part in the programme in New Delhi from 23 to 31 August, according to Women in Management, which announced her selection.

Mission ShakthiSAT, initiated by Space Kidz India, brings together girls from 108 countries. The programme includes training in areas such as satellite technology, orbital mechanics and space engineering.

Participants completed an initial online phase before progressing to the practical stage in India, where they will receive further exposure to satellite design and development. The wider project includes plans for a CubeSat mission to lunar orbit.

For the Maldives, the programme provides an opportunity for a young student to gain experience in a field that has had limited participation from the country.

Maldivian students have previously taken part in international space education programmes. In 2022, 32 students completed the Canadian Space Agency’s Junior Astronaut Programme, which introduced them to space science, technology and teamwork.

Noya’s participation comes as India’s space programme continues to expand.

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed on the Moon in 2023. Its Aditya-L1 mission is studying the Sun, while the SpaDeX mission has demonstrated spacecraft docking technology, a capability important for future space stations and human missions.

India is also developing Gaganyaan, its first crewed spaceflight programme, as well as plans for a future national space station.

The developments have made India an increasingly important centre for space research and education.

For Noya, the Mission ShakthiSAT programme offers an opportunity to gain practical experience and work alongside participants from around the world.

It could also encourage more Maldivian students, particularly girls, to consider careers in science, engineering and space technology.