Mission ShakthiSAT inaugurated at Gautam Buddha University
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Why It Matters
Mission ShakthiSAT is a major international space and STEM initiative targeting young women, demonstrating India's growing focus on private and non-governmental space sector participation (via IN-SPACe and Space Kidz India) as well as gender inclusivity in advanced technologies. It represents a significant state-level current affair for UPPSC Prelims due to its inauguration by the UP CM at a state university.
Summary
On the 19th Foundation Day of Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, UP CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated 'Mission ShakthiSAT', a global space technology initiative by Space Kidz India and IN-SPACe. The mission aims to foster women's empowerment in STEM by engaging 12,000 girls from 108 countries, selecting 108 of them for advanced training to help develop ShakthiSAT spacecraft. The Chief Minister also emphasized adopting a 'Nation First' mindset and highlighted the mission's alignment with India's self-reliance goals.
Key Points
- CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated 'Mission ShakthiSAT' on the 19th Foundation Day of Gautam Buddha University (GBU) in Greater Noida.
- Mission ShakthiSAT is an initiative by Space Kidz India, guided by IN-SPACe, aiming to involve 12,000 girls from 108 countries in space technology.
- The mission will select 108 girls for advanced training to collaborate on the development of the ShakthiSAT-LEO and ShakthiSAT-Moon spacecraft.
- The initiative focuses on empowering young women through STEM education and aligns with the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Important Terms
Mission ShakthiSAT
A global space education initiative led by Space Kidz India engaging 12,000 girls from 108 countries. It trains students in payload development to build female-led lunar and low-earth orbit satellites, bridging the STEM gender gap.
UPSC context
GS 3 (Space Tech) & GS 1 (Women Empowerment). Highlights global collaborative efforts for gender inclusivity in deep tech.
Gautam Buddha University (GBU)
A state university in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, established in 2002. It hosted the launch of 'Mission ShakthiSAT' on its 19th Foundation Day, reflecting its role as a hub for scientific education and global collaborations.
UPSC context
UP Specific (GS 5) & Prelims Current Affairs. Important as the hosting venue for major state-backed international space initiatives.
Space Kidz India
An aerospace startup pioneering student-led small satellites and spacecraft. Founded by Dr. Srimathy Kesan, it spearheads Mission ShakthiSAT and previously launched AzaadiSAT, driving young student participation in space exploration.
UPSC context
GS 3 (Indigenization of Technology). Tests knowledge of private space startups and grassroots STEM innovation in India.
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre is a single-window autonomous agency under the Department of Space. It promotes, regulates, and authorizes the participation of private entities in India's space ecosystem.
UPSC context
GS 3 (Space Technology). Crucial for questions on space sector privatization, ISRO reforms, and the Indian Space Policy.
Prelims Trap
Mission ShakthiSAT is an official ISRO mission designed exclusively for Indian girls.
It is an initiative by private entity Space Kidz India, guided by IN-SPACe. Crucially, it is a global mission involving girls from 108 countries, not limited to India.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the primary role of IN-SPACe in India's space ecosystem?
- Core Mandate: A single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space to promote, authorize, and supervise private non-government entities.
- Origin: Established in 2020 to level the playing field for private companies and startups in space technology.
- Vs NSIL: While IN-SPACe acts as a regulator and facilitator, NSIL serves as the commercial arm of ISRO.
UP Special: Key facts about Gautam Buddha University (GBU)?
- Location: Situated in Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh.
- Chancellor: The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh serves as the Chancellor of the university, elevating its state importance.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Women in STEM empowerment
ShakthiSAT complements government efforts like the Vigyan Jyoti Scheme (DST) and KIRAN, aiming to eliminate the gender gap in specialized science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
UP's Aerospace & Tech push
Inaugurating global space initiatives in Greater Noida aligns with UP's Defence Industrial Corridor ambitions, signaling the state's push to become a hub for high-tech aerospace manufacturing and research.
Expect a multi-statement question pairing GBU's UP location with the private, global nature of Mission ShakthiSAT and Space Kidz India.
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2023UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
The SAR satellite is jointly developed by which of the following organizations?
- 2021UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following Schemes in Uttar Pradesh were introduced in Budget of 2021-22? I. Atmanirbhar Krishak Samanvit Vikas Yojna II. Mukhya Mantri Saksham Suposhan Yojna III. Mukhya Mantri Pravasi Shramik Udyamita Vikas Yojna IV. Yuva Udyamita Vikas Abhiyan Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
