Space cargo created by VIT-AP students launched aboard Vikram-1 rocket

VIT-AP University has announced the successful launch of VISWA-M (VIT Satellite Wavelength Analysis Module), an experimental space payload conceived, designed and developed by its students and faculty. The payload was launched into orbit aboard the SOLARAS nanosatellite on Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 launch vehicle, which lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota, at 12:05 pm on Saturday.

Among those who witnessed the historic launch from Sriharikota was Andhra Pradesh Education, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh accompanied by his son Devansh. The minister called it a proud moment for India’s scientific and technological progress.

During the mission, the Vikram-1 rocket deployed four small satellites with a total payload weight of around 350 kilograms, demonstrating the capabilities of India’s growing private launch industry.

For VIT-AP, the launch marks the first-ever research payload in space, underscoring the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge research, innovation and experiential learning.

VISWA-M was developed to study the solar spectrum in different wavelength bands using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and compact sensing systems.

The project was carried out in collaboration with Bengaluru-based start-up Grahaa Space (Akshath Aerospace Private Limited) under an MoU signed in 2023.

Known as Mission SIDDHI, the mission reflects the university’s expanding contribution to India’s emerging space ecosystem and provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in every phase of space payload development, from conceptual design and system integration to testing and mission operations.

Key objectives

Key objectives of VISWA-M include measuring and analyzing solar radiation at different wavelength bands, demonstrating a cost-effective hosted payload architecture suitable for academic satellite missions, and generating baseline datasets for future research in solar spectrum monitoring and miniaturized sensing technologies.

VIT-AP Vice-Chancellor P. Arulmozhivarman said the successful deployment of VISWA-M reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to education and research-based innovation.

He noted that when a student-designed payload goes into space, it highlights the value of experiential learning, strong academic mentorship and productive industry partnerships, making a significant contribution to India’s growing space ecosystem.

Registrar, VIT-AP University Jagadish Chandra said the mission shows how academic excellence, research and industry collaboration can come together to create meaningful technological innovation.

Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Cell (IIEC) Director Ellison Mathe said the VISWA-M mission showed strong synergy between academic research and entrepreneurial innovation.

He said the partnership with Grahaa Space gave students a unique opportunity to participate in a real space mission while equipping them with advanced technical knowledge, systems thinking skills and confidence to tackle future challenges in the global space industry.

Professor Mahesh Miriyala, who mentored the student team, described the mission as an unforgettable experience.

Published – 18 Jul 2026 21:35 IST