Space payload built by VIT-AP students launched aboard Vikram-1 rocket

VIT-AP University 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 carried into orbit on the SOLARAS nanosatellite on Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 launch vehicle, which took off from Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota at 12:05 pm on Saturday.

Among those who witnessed the historic launch from Sriharikota were Andhra Pradesh Education, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh and his son Devansh. The minister described it as 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 mass of approximately 350 kilograms, demonstrating the capabilities of India’s growing private launch industry.

For VIT-AP University, this launch represents the institution’s first space research payload and underscores the institution’s commitment to advanced research, innovation and experiential learning.

VISWA-M was developed to examine the solar spectrum in multiple wavelength bands using Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components and compact detection systems.

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

Known as Mission SIDDHI, the mission reflects the University’s growing contribution to India’s evolving space ecosystem and provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in all phases of space payload development, from conceptual design and systems integration to testing and mission operations.

Main objectives

VISWA-M’s key objectives include measuring and analyzing solar irradiance in multiple wavelength bands, demonstrating a cost-effective hosted payload architecture suitable for academic satellite missions, and creating key datasets for future research in solar spectrum monitoring and miniaturized sensing technologies.

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

He noted that seeing a student-designed payload reach space highlights the value of experiential learning, strong academic mentorship and productive industry partnerships while contributing meaningfully to India’s growing space ecosystem.

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

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

He said the partnership with Grahaa Space gives students an extraordinary opportunity to participate in a real space mission, while also equipping them with advanced technical expertise, systems thinking abilities and confidence to tackle future challenges in the global space industry.

Professor Mahesh Miriyala, who advised the student team, described the assignment as an unforgettable experience.