Colombian pride: the story of María de los Ángeles Izquierdo, a 15-year-old who will participate in the construction of a lunar satellite

Fifteen-year-old María de los Ángeles Izquierdo will travel to India to take part in building a lunar satellite, marking a historic moment for Colombian youth and science education. The young woman from Palmira, in the Valle del Cauca region, has been selected through a competition organized by the Colombian Space Agency (AEC). Among 100 participants, women who share an interest in programming, robotics, and aerospace engineering, she was chosen to join a mission that will see her and 107 other girls construct a CubeSat for the Indian Space Research Organisation. María’s journey into space science began at age 12, when she became fascinated with technology and started learning programming. Over three years, she pursued self-directed studies, including online courses from universities in the United States and collaborations with NASA. Her passion and determination caught the attention of teachers at her school, particularly those in automation technology, who supported her educational efforts. Her mother played a crucial role, serving as her primary motivation and encouragement throughout this process. The opportunity to participate in the competition came unexpectedly. María learned about it through a mentor and decided to apply. She spent nearly 18 months undergoing training in aerospace engineering, during which she was eventually named one of five finalists competing for the chance to travel to India. After passing an interview, she was announced as the winner. When she received the news, she was with her mother and could barely contain her emotions, bursting into tears at the thought of representing Colombia abroad. As part of the mission, María and the other participants will work together to build a CubeSat, a type of small satellite used for scientific research and technological experimentation. This project will be carried out under the guidance of the Indian Space Research Organisation, with the involvement of international collaborators. The team includes girls from around the world, bringing diverse cultural perspectives and expertise to the effort. The mission also features the participation of the Prime Minister of India and the founder of the lunar satellite initiative. Pilar Zamora, president and founder of the AEC, explained that the selection process involved over 108 countries, each sending groups of girls aged 12 and older with skills in subjects such as science, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. From Colombia, 100 girls were chosen and trained in satellite construction, software programming, data analysis, rocketry, and launch procedures over the course of a year. María stood out because she completed all modules and demonstrated exceptional potential. Zamora emphasized that this experience represents a unique opportunity for Colombian girls to gain exposure to global scientific collaboration and to understand how their dreams can become reality. She highlighted the importance of empowering young women through education and innovation, noting that María’s story reflects the possibilities available to others in the country. “We want these girls to feel empowered,” she said, “to see that a girl from Palmira, raised with sacrifice by her mother, can achieve great things and that opportunities exist for everyone.” The AEC has worked extensively to establish its presence internationally, and this competition is part of broader efforts to promote youth development and scientific advancement. The agency hopes the government will continue supporting initiatives like this, expanding them nationally and regionally. With existing platforms for education and international competitions already in place, the goal is to replicate and scale these programs to benefit more students across Colombia. As María and others prepare for their journey to India, they carry with them the hope of inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers.