For most engineering students, graduating from university marks the beginning of a professional career. For 23-year-old Shafaq Mandha, it has opened the door to an opportunity that will take her into the world of space technology. The Indian-origin student from Dubai has been selected to represent the United Arab Emirates in ORBITA-26, an international satellite mission that gives participants the chance to help design, build and launch a real satellite. The programme brings together young engineers and researchers from different countries, offering hands-on experience in one of the world’s most advanced scientific fields.
Born and raised in the UAE to a family originally from Gujarat, India, Shafaq has spent her entire academic journey in the Emirates. She attended Leaders Private School in Sharjah before completing her GCSEs at Westminster School Sharjah. She later pursued her AS and A-Levels at Cambridge International School Dubai and went on to earn a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from Middlesex University Dubai in 2026. She is also set to begin a Master’s degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence later this year.
Her latest achievement will see her join participants from several countries in ORBITA-26, an international programme organised by Lab of Future in collaboration with Future of Education in Russia. Unlike many student competitions that focus on theory, ORBITA-26 gives participants the opportunity to work on an actual satellite project, taking part in its design, development and launch. After completing specialised training, finalists will travel to Moscow to participate in the mission’s final phase.
Shafaq’s selection follows years of involvement in engineering projects and student leadership. During her time at Middlesex University Dubai, she served as Student Voice Leader, Inclusivity Champion and Vice President of the Middlesex Innovation Hub Student Body. Alongside these roles, she represented the university in the Saudi Space Agency’s DebriSolver Competition in Riyadh, where teams worked on solutions to tackle the growing challenge of space debris.
According to Shafaq, experiences like DebriSolver strengthened her interest in combining artificial intelligence with space technology and helped prepare her for opportunities such as ORBITA-26. Her university has welcomed the achievement, describing it as an example of how practical learning can prepare students for global opportunities. Professor Fehmida Hussain, Deputy Director and Head of Computer Engineering and Informatics at Middlesex University Dubai, said the programme allows students to apply their engineering knowledge to real-world challenges while collaborating with international teams. She also noted that Shafaq’s selection reflects the efforts of the university’s engineering department and STARS Lab in supporting students interested in emerging technologies.
Shafaq has also acknowledged the role of her mentors in helping her reach this stage. She credited Dr. Judhi Prasetyo and Professor Fehmida Hussain for their guidance throughout her academic journey, saying their encouragement helped her pursue opportunities in the space sector.
Beyond the technical experience, Shafaq hopes her journey will encourage more young people, especially women and girls, to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). She believes greater representation in these fields can inspire future generations to explore careers in innovation and scientific research.
Her selection comes as the UAE continues to invest heavily in its space programme and advanced technology sector. In recent years, the country has expanded its focus on satellite development, scientific research and international collaboration, creating more opportunities for students and young professionals to contribute to ambitious space projects. Programs such as ORBITA-26 support these efforts by providing participants with practical experience that extends beyond the classroom.
For Shafaq, the opportunity represents the next step in a journey built on engineering, innovation and international collaboration. As she prepares to work alongside fellow participants on a real satellite mission, she will also represent the UAE on a global stage, highlighting the growing role of young talent in the country’s expanding space ambitions.
