Archive · 21 Jul 2026
VIT-AP University Launches Student-Built Space Payload
VIT-AP University recently launched a small space experiment called VISWA-M into space.
This experiment was designed and built by students and teachers at the university.
It was sent into space on a rocket called Vikram-1, which was made by a company called Skyroot Aerospace.
The experiment is meant to study the sun's light at different wavelengths.
The university worked with a space company called Grahaa Space to make this happen.
This is a big achievement for the university and shows how students can learn by doing real space projects.
The project also helps India's growing space industry.
VIT-AP University launched the VISWA-M payload aboard Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 orbital launch vehicle on 18 July 2026.
VISWA-M is an experimental payload designed to study the solar spectrum across multiple wavelengths using Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components.
The project was developed in collaboration with Bengaluru-based spacetech start-up Grahaa Space under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023.
The mission objectives include measuring and analyzing solar radiation, demonstrating a cost-effective hosted payload architecture, and creating foundational datasets for future research.
The launch marks VIT-AP University's first spaceborne payload and signifies its growing contribution to India's emerging space ecosystem.
- Who
- VIT-AP University students and faculty, in collaboration with Grahaa Space
- What
- Launch of the VISWA-M payload aboard Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 orbital launch vehicle
- When
- 18 July 2026 at 12:05 PM IST
- Where
- Sriharikota Space Centre
- Why
- To advance space technology research and innovation, and to provide students with hands-on experience in space payload development
Academic and Technological Achievement
Industry Collaboration and Innovation
Mission Objectives
Academic and Technological Achievement
The mission aims to measure and analyze solar radiation across multiple wavelength bands, demonstrating a cost-effective hosted payload architecture for academic satellite missions.
Industry Collaboration and Innovation
The project serves as an academic and technological demonstration mission, enabling students and researchers to gain hands-on experience in the complete lifecycle of space payload development.
Collaboration and Vision
Academic and Technological Achievement
The project exemplifies the strong collaboration between academia and India's rapidly expanding private space sector, aligning with the vision of the Indian Space Policy 2023.
Industry Collaboration and Innovation
The mission reflects VIT-AP University's commitment to creating an ecosystem where academic excellence, research, and industry collaboration converge to deliver meaningful innovation.
- Launch Date
- 18 July 2026
- Launch Time
- 12:05 PM IST
- Launch Vehicle
- Vikram-1
- Payload Name
- VISWA-M (VIT Satellite Wavelength Analysis Module)
- Collaborating Organization
- Grahaa Space (Akshath Aerospace Private Limited)
- Mission Name
- Mission SIDDHI
- University
- VIT-AP University
- Launch Site
- Sriharikota Space Centre