As part of a joint project between UNICEF and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), over 230 girls from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, all participants of the UniSat program, launched in March seven ultra-modern nanosatellites into the stratosphere to analyze air pollution in these countries.
Nanosatellites are a class of small spacecraft whose weight does not exceed 10 kg. They are equipped with several cameras, one with the potential to take an elliptical image of the Earth within 4K resolution. During the launch, UniSat nanosatellites take stunning high-resolution images of the Earth and space, while sensors collect data on radiation, pressure, gravity, light and gas composition. Afterwards, large amounts of data, video and images are sent back to the Earth for analysis.
Today's launch is symbolic. It demonstrates the boundless potential of the girls and women of Central Asia. Their capabilities expand the boundaries of science and technology. This year we were able to include 2,000 participants from three countries and inspire them to continue their education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We believe that the results of the UniSat program will achieve high cosmic changes in society.
Arthur van Diesen, UNICEF Representative, Kazakhstan
Young female students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan create and launch seven nanosatellites into the stratosphere to study air pollution.
In Kyrgyzstan, only 1 out of 3 girls aged 15-19 have computer literacy, and more than 80 per cent of girls choose social and human sciences. The question is, is that a true reflection of our girls’ professional interests and aspirations? in 2020, UNICEF launched the “Girls in Science” program to help young girls expand their professional horizons, overcome gender stereotypes, and make their career choices. Since then, more than 10,000 girls have joined the initiative every year and more girls are gaining confidence in developing a scientific career. Building on this, the launch of the nanosatellites is not only the culmination of two years of hard work, but will become a great inspiration for girls and young women across the region.
