Reaching for the Stars: The Story of a 15-Year-Old Girl from Turkmenistan
Space technology, physics, higher mathematics, and programming were long considered predominantly male domains. However, times are changing, and today young women from all over the world are proving that intelligence, talent, and dreams of reaching the stars know no gender boundaries.
A striking example of this is the global international initiative ShakthiSat – a large-scale educational program in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), bringing together ambitious young women from 108 countries. The project's main goal is not just theory, but real space science and preparation for the launch of a real satellite into low-Earth orbit.
The ShakthiSat program is supported by Indian organizations working in space technology and STEM education. Participants have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of satellite construction, and the best are admitted to the practical stage of work on a real space project.
The number 108 in the project's name and concept was chosen deliberately. In aerospace engineering, the ratio ~108 is called the "masterful cosmic alignment." It is a remarkable geometric alignment of our solar system. The distance from the Earth to the Sun is approximately 108 solar diameters. And the distance from the Earth to the Moon is approximately 108 lunar diameters.
It is precisely because of this unique balance that the apparent sizes of the Moon and the Sun appear equal in our sky, making total solar eclipses possible. For the ShakthiSAT lunar mission, this number has become a symbol of universal precision and harmony.
In many cultures, especially in India, the number 108 is considered symbolic and is associated with knowledge, harmony, and the pursuit of perfection.
This is why the organizers set an ambitious goal: to unite participants from 108 countries around the common idea of scientific development, international cooperation, and space exploration.
The project was initiated by Dr. Srimathy Kesan, an Indian scientist, engineer, and founder of the educational space program Space Kidz India. For many years, she has been promoting science and technology among children and young people, with a particular focus on expanding opportunities for girls in STEM fields. Under her leadership, Space Kidz India has implemented several international projects launching educational satellites and preparing schoolchildren for careers in the space industry.
For Dr. Srimathy Kesan, the ShakthiSat project is not only an educational program but also an opportunity to demonstrate that the future of the space industry should be built on equal opportunities for talented young people, regardless of their country of origin or gender.
Fourteen schoolgirls from Turkmenistan participated in this prestigious program. However, only a few made it to the finals, and 15-year-old Elif Gylyjova was awarded the right to represent our country at the practical stage in India.
A Journey Through Thorns: 21 Modules and Iron Discipline
The ShakthiSat program is not a fun camp, but a serious and deep dive into satellite technology and astronomy. The training was conducted online and included 21 challenging modules.
Many know how difficult distance learning is. There are no teachers hovering over you, and there are no rigid classroom boundaries. Online learning demands tremendous responsibility, maturity, and iron self-discipline. When your peers are relaxing or playing, it's hard to comprehend the need to pore over complex physics and mathematics formulas. This is the highest form of mental and emotional intelligence.
To reach the end, not give up halfway through due to fatigue or boredom, and to cope with the enormous amount of information—this is a tremendous victory in itself, requiring a strong character. Of the 14 participants from Turkmenistan, three girls brilliantly overcame this challenge and advanced to the finals:
Leyli Zakhyrova, School No. 7, Gerogly, Dashoguz;
Aybolek Andagurbanova, School for Gifted Children No. 24, Mary;
Elif Gylyjova, School No. 87, Ashgabat.
The Decisive Choice: From Interview to Flight to India
The final stage of the program was an online interview with an international team of ShakthiSat experts. This assessed not only the knowledge gained during the 21 modules but also soft skills: critical thinking, determination, stress tolerance, and a genuine passion for space.
Based on rigorous evaluation criteria, the project team made its final selection. Elif Gylyjova was named the winner. This talented 15-year-old will represent Turkmenistan at the practical training stage, which will take place in India at the end of August.
To learn more about her path to victory, her motivation, and her plans for the future, we spoke with Elif.
Space Begins with a Dream: An Interview with Elif Gylyjova
"Elif, space technology and STEM are a pretty rare passion for a 15-year-old. How did your interest in space, physics, and mathematics begin?"
Elif: I first became interested in science and technology when I was 10. My mom encouraged me to join the Technovation Girls program. Honestly, I was reluctant at first, but my mom convinced me to at least give it a try. And I really enjoyed it! We created a team and implemented many projects together. What I love most about STEM is that we all learn to find unique solutions to complex problems. "The ShakthiSat program consists of 21 challenging online learning modules. Were there times when you felt discouraged or tired? What kept you going when your peers were taking breaks and you had to study?"
Elif: Of course, there were times when things got really challenging. The amount of information was overwhelming, and there wasn't much time to absorb it. But sports helped me. I'm an athlete. The discipline I gained from training, my time management skills, and my athleticism helped me cope. I even had to give up training for a while to get through this program, but it was definitely worth it.
"Out of 14 participants, you're the one flying to India from Turkmenistan. How did you feel when you learned that the international team had chosen you after the final interview?"
Elif: First of all, I was incredibly happy. I'm truly grateful for everything that's happened and for the tremendous experience I've already gained. I'm so excited to move on to the next stage. When the results were announced, I felt a certain relief, but at the same time, I realize that August 23rd is just around the corner. I can't relax—now I need to study even more deeply, especially electronics.
"The end of August is just around the corner. What are you most looking forward to about your trip to India and working on a real space satellite?"
Elif: I'm really looking forward to meeting the girls from other countries, the organizers who put so much effort into this program, and the engineers. I'm incredibly excited to be part of the team building a real satellite and to work in the testing and research labs. I'd also love to interview the program organizers myself and ask them how they came up with such an amazing idea!
"Elif, you exemplify incredible determination. At 15, you possess a rare quality—the ability to focus on a big goal and move toward it step by step, despite difficulties and fatigue. We congratulate you on this tremendous victory and wish you good luck in India! May this satellite be the beginning of your great and bright scientific journey. Turkmenistan is proud of you!"
What Awaits Elif in India?
Elif has the most exciting things ahead. Her trip to India will open the doors to the world of real, practical cosmonautics. During the final stage of the program, participants from all over the world will come together to apply their acquired knowledge in practice: working in modern laboratories and directly participating in preparing a satellite for launch.
This trip is more than just a reward for hard work. It is a unique opportunity to showcase the potential of Turkmenistan's youth in the global scientific arena, establish international connections with like-minded women, and take another important step toward a career in science and high technology.
Maya ANNAEVA
