Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO, Space Kidz India

My name is Dr. Srimathy Kesan, and I'm the Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, a leading Indian aerospace startup. We specialize in designing, building, and launching small satellites, spacecraft, and ground systems. Our mission is to make space exploration accessible and affordable for everyone.

I'm a strong believer in hands-on learning. That's why we take students to top space centers like NASA, ESA, and GCTC for training in rocket building, satellite making, and launch techniques. In fact, I had the incredible experience of becoming the first Indian woman to fly on a zero-gravity flight alongside astronauts like Charles Duke and Richard Garriott.

At Space Kidz India, we're passionate about breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of space explorers. I'm eager to discuss how we can make space exploration a reality for everyone.

Space Kidz India and Its Services

As the founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is the ONLY WOMAN-LED Aerospace startup in India. I'm dedicated to revolutionizing space exploration for the next generation. Our startup specializes in designing, fabricating, and launching small satellites, spacecraft, and ground systems to make space access affordable and sustainable.

In our seven-year journey, we've achieved significant milestones, including launching 18+ BalloonSats, 2 Suborbital Payloads, and 3 Orbital Satellites. Notably, we collaborated with NASA to launch the world's first 3-D printed and lightest satellite, KALAMSAT. Additionally, partnerships with ISRO led to successful satellite launches like the KalamsatV-2 and AzaadiSAT series.

Our recent mission, AzaadiSAT 2.0, empowered 750 girl students from rural India to build and launch an orbital satellite experiment. This initiative, part of the 75th Indian Independence celebrations, promotes women in STEM and inspires future space enthusiasts.

Beyond India, we collaborate with global partners like NASA, ESA, and the Moscow Aviation Institute to promote space awareness. Through projects like Mission PAYANKE in Africa, we're fostering international cooperation in space education.

At Space Kidz India, we're not just launching satellites—we're launching dreams. Our mission is to democratize space exploration, empower youth, and shape India's space industry for a brighter future.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of Dr. Srimathy at Space Kidz India

Being the founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, my primary role is to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the organization. I am responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations to further our mission of making space exploration accessible and affordable for the future generation of India. In addition to overseeing project planning and execution, I manage a team of skilled professionals, providing guidance and mentorship to ensure their success. I actively engage in research and development activities to innovate and develop new technologies in the aerospace field. Furthermore, I advocate for space exploration and STEM education initiatives through stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and outreach efforts. Fundraising and resource mobilization are also key responsibilities, as I work to secure grants, sponsorships, and donations to support our projects and activities.

Overall, my role at Space Kidz India encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at driving our organization's success and impact in the field of space exploration and education.

Space Kidz India - Women Led Aerospace Startups

"What sets Space Kidz India apart from other aerospace startups is our unique blend of innovation, education, and social impact. Unlike traditional aerospace companies, we place a strong emphasis on inspiring and educating the next generation of space enthusiasts. Our focus on STEM education and outreach programs sets us apart, as we actively involve young minds in hands-on space projects.

We pride ourselves on our innovative approach, constantly pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. Our achievements speak for themselves, including the launch of the world's first 3D-printed and lightest satellite, KALAMSAT. Additionally, our dedication to social causes is evident in projects like AzaadiSAT-2.0, which involved 750 rural girl students in building a satellite.

Space Kidz India has forged strong collaborations with international organizations and space agencies, enabling us to leverage global expertise and resources for our projects. Our recognition and awards, both nationally and internationally, attest to the quality and impact of our work.

Under my leadership, Space Kidz India has achieved numerous milestones and made history, such as becoming the first Indian woman to experience weightlessness on a zero-gravity flight. Our holistic approach, combining innovation, education, social impact, and visionary leadership, sets us apart in the aerospace industry."

Foundation of Space Kidz India

The founding of Space Kidz India was inspired by my passion for space exploration and my desire to make it accessible to the youth of India. I believe that space exploration holds immense potential for education, research, and industry, and I wanted to create a platform where young minds could actively participate in this exciting field.

My own experiences, including being the first woman from India to experience weightlessness on a zero gravity flight, fueled my determination to create opportunities for students to engage with space science and technology. Through Space Kidz India, we aim to provide economical and sustainable access to space, while also promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

AzaadiSAT - 2

"AzaadiSAT-2" is a significant satellite mission aimed at empowering government school children, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with basic knowledge and understanding of space. The project was conceptualized as a tribute to mark the 75th anniversary of India's independence, known as Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The primary objective of "AzaadiSAT-2" is to provide hands-on learning experiences to students by involving them in the process of building and launching a small experiment into space through an orbital satellite. This project is the first of its kind globally, as it brings together 750 girl students from rural areas across India to participate in building a satellite.

The selection process involved choosing 10 girl students from each of the 75 government schools participating in the project. These students, predominantly from classes 8th to 12th, were provided with basic experiments developed by Space Kidz India, along with online coaching support from our team and their science teachers.

The launch of "AzaadiSAT-2" on February 10, 2023, by ISRO's SSLV-D2, marked a significant milestone in our efforts to promote space education and encourage more girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. This project exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and scientific curiosity among India's youth, ultimately contributing to the nation's progress in space exploration and technology.

Awards and Honors

• Regal British Award: Received at the House of Lords, UK, as the only Indian awardee.

• Woman Icon Award: Conferred by Nanyang University, Singapore.

• Global Women in Leadership Award: Presented by GCPIT-Brand India Global Vision in 2021.

• Most Admired Global Indian in the Space Industry: Conferred by Unified Brains and the Asia-African Chamber in 2020.

• Enterprising Women Entrepreneur Award: Presented by the Ministry of Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

• Abdul Kalam Award: Recognized for contributions in Science and Technology.

• MAYAN Awards: Received from Vista India by Dr. Kiran Bedi.

• Nation's Supreme Pride Award: Honored by Panimalar Institutions, Chennai.

• Legendary Lioness Lifetime Achievement Award: Conferred by the VR Oneness Foundation.

• Woman Achiever of the Year: Acknowledged for excellence in Science and Technology by Raindrops and many more.