A Class 10 student from a government school in Andhra Pradesh has scripted an inspiring journey from a modest classroom to the global stage after being selected for Mission ShakthiSAT, the world's first international all-girls lunar CubeSat mission.

Kandula Jessie, a 14-year-old student of Zilla Parishad Girls High School (ZPGHS), Dowleswaram, is among just 20 students selected from India after competing against nearly 12,000 participants from 108 countries.

From school tinkering lab to a global space programme

Jessie's journey began at her school's Atal Tinkering Lab, where her physical science teacher and lab in-charge, Manimala, recognised her enthusiasm for science and encouraged her to enrol in the Mission ShakthiSAT programme last year.

The programme introduced students to advanced concepts rarely taught at the secondary school level, including:

• Satellite systems
• Space propulsion
• Thermodynamics
• Payload development
• Space technology and mission operations

Over several months, Jessie completed nearly 550 online learning sessions across 21 specialised modules, balancing the demanding coursework with her regular Class 10 studies.

"I found many concepts difficult initially because they were far more advanced than what we study in school, but I continued attending the classes every day," Jessie said.

A challenging selection process

The final selection involved multiple stages, including online assessments, a one-hour interview with scientists and programme coordinators, and a one-minute presentation explaining Mission ShakthiSAT and the importance of STEM education.

Since the interview was conducted entirely in English with international experts, Jessie worked extensively with her teachers to strengthen her communication skills.

"I was nervous speaking to international scientists. I never expected a government school student like me would get selected," she said.

Family sacrifices paved the way

Jessie's achievement is especially remarkable given her family's financial circumstances.

Her parents had transferred her from a private school to a government school due to economic constraints. Her father works as a carpenter, while her mother, Aruna, said seeing her daughter confidently interact with scientists from around the world was one of the proudest moments of their lives.

Training begins in August

Starting August 23, Jessie will attend advanced training in New Delhi, where she will collaborate with scientists on:

• Satellite design
• Payload development
• Mission planning
• CubeSat operations

The student-built lunar CubeSat is scheduled for launch from Sriharikota on October 11 as part of Mission ShakthiSAT.

ISRO is her next dream

Inspired by her selection, Jessie now hopes to build a career in India's space programme.

"After getting selected for this programme, I feel that with hard work I can achieve my dream of joining ISRO. I also want to support my parents and make my teachers and school proud," she said.

Her achievement has also been widely praised on social media, with Andhra Pradesh IT advisor Sana Sathish Babu describing her story as an example of how government school students can achieve global success when provided with opportunities and quality mentorship.

Jessie's journey underscores the growing role of government schools, Atal Tinkering Labs, and STEM initiatives in nurturing scientific talent. For thousands of young students across India, her success demonstrates that determination, supportive teachers, and access to the right opportunities can turn even the most ambitious dreams—such as reaching the Moon—into reality.