For many students, the Moon is something to admire in the night sky. For 14-year-old Kandula Jessie, it has become a destination to work towards.

The Class 10 student from Zilla Parishad Girls High School (ZPGHS), Dowleswaram, Andhra Pradesh, has achieved an extraordinary feat by earning a place in Mission ShakthiSAT—the world's first global all-girls lunar CubeSat mission. Selected among just 20 participants from India after competing against nearly 12,000 girls from 108 countries, Jessie is inspiring young dreamers across the nation.

The daughter of a carpenter, her remarkable journey is a shining example of how determination, supportive teachers and quality education can help young minds reach for the stars.

A Spark Ignited in a School Tinkering Lab

Jessie's journey began not in a sophisticated research centre, but inside her school's Atal Tinkering Lab. Her physical science teacher and lab in-charge, Manimala, noticed her curiosity for science and encouraged her to enrol in the Mission ShakthiSAT programme last year.

What followed was a demanding learning experience far beyond the curriculum of a Class 10 student. Jessie attended nearly 550 online sessions spread across 21 modules, studying advanced subjects such as satellite systems, propulsion, thermodynamics and space technology. The concepts were challenging, but giving up was never an option.

The Interview That Opened the Door to Space

The selection process was as rigorous as the coursework. Candidates underwent extensive online learning before facing a one-hour interview with scientists and programme coordinators. They also had to create a one-minute video explaining Mission ShakthiSAT and the importance of STEM education.

Since the interview was conducted entirely in English with international experts, Jessie spent weeks improving her communication skills with the support of her teachers and educational videos. Although nervous, she impressed the panel and secured her place among India's top 20 participants. Later she said that she never expected a government school student like her to get selected.

A Family's Dream Takes Flight

Jessie's success carries an even deeper emotional significance. Her parents had enrolled her in a government school after financial challenges made private education unaffordable. Her father works as a carpenter, making countless sacrifices to support the family.

For her mother, Aruna, watching Jessie confidently interact with international scientists was one of the proudest moments of her life.

Now, beginning August 23, Jessie will train in New Delhi, where she will collaborate with scientists on satellite design, payload development and mission operations. The student-built lunar CubeSat is scheduled for launch from Sriharikota on October 11.

Jessie has already set her sights on an even bigger dream—to join ISRO, support her parents and make her teachers and school proud.

Her inspiring journey is a powerful reminder that talent can flourish anywhere. Sometimes, all it takes is a curious mind, a teacher who believes in it and the courage to dream beyond the classroom.