Cassie Ralamboarivelo has been selected from twelve thousand young girls across 108 countries to participate in the ShakthiSAT mission in India. This selection was achieved after several stages of training conducted alongside her regular schooling.
The 16-year-old is currently representing Madagascar in India. She was chosen for the ShakthiSAT mission, held from August 23 to 31 in New Delhi, which brings together participants from 108 countries. Her selection followed a rigorous process, including a national competition, twenty training modules, and over 500 courses completed in less than two years—a program she balanced with her academic studies.
“The pace of her studies was demanding, so the ShakthiSAT training had to be done gradually. Before the selection, she dedicated more time to the courses, often during vacations. She would even stay up late at night to study online,” says her father, Hery Nirina Razafindralambo.
The young girl managed to reconcile both through a work method based on intensive study periods. “Her specialty is that she does things thoroughly. She isn’t the type to revise all the time, but when she commits, she studies intensely,” her father explains. Cassie alternates between periods of intense work and rest.
“She is also a very playful child,” he adds. When she is not in class, she fully enjoys her free time. “She can sleep until 11 a.m. and sleeps soundly, not just lounging in bed,” her father notes, adding, “When her brain needs to work, it runs at full capacity, and when it’s time to rest, it’s a total rest.”
Upon arriving in India, Cassie admitted to having mixed feelings. “I felt a bit lost, scared, stressed, and shy at first,” she confides. However, curiosity quickly took over: “I am also enthusiastic about the idea of discovering new things and meeting new people.”
The interactions and meetings on-site helped her gain confidence. “I met friends who are nice and very understanding,” she says. As part of the mission, she is scheduled to meet several political and institutional leaders, including the Indian Prime Minister, European and Australian parliamentarians, and African ministers. The program includes activities throughout the day, sometimes late into the evening.
ShakthiSAT is an international initiative designed to introduce young girls to space sciences and satellite development through concrete projects. Cassie Ralamboarivelo is tasked with familiarizing herself with the various stages of satellite design and operation. The initiative includes the design of scientific experiments intended to be carried on board a satellite.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-26 05:53:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/espace-cassie-ralamboarivelo-part-en.html