In a significant achievement in experiential science education, 55 students from 11 government middle schools in Periyanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore district, have taken their scientific learning beyond classrooms by successfully developing and launching a research payload into the stratosphere under Project Uyarvu.

The initiative, a collaborative effort by Rotary E-Club of Metro Dynamix, Open Space Foundation (OSF), a registered Space Tutor of ISRO, and CSTERC Techno Science LLP, saw a scientific payload weighing approximately 2 kg launched aboard a high-altitude helium balloon on October 30, 2026.

The payload ascended to an altitude of more than 35,000 metres (35 km) above the Earth’s surface, entering the stratospheric region. Photographs captured during the mission were released to the media for the first time at a press meet in Coimbatore on Friday.

The images offer a rare view of Earth from near space and highlight the scientific capabilities of government school students when provided with the right guidance, mentorship and opportunities.

Students from Classes 6 to 8 participated in the project, gaining hands-on exposure to atmospheric science, scientific instrumentation and near-space research. With technical guidance from experts, they helped develop a payload equipped to study atmospheric aerosols and measure parameters such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity and altitude.

Project Uyarvu builds on the success of Project Vinveli, which introduced astronomy and telescope-based experiential learning to around 1,600 students across 40 government schools in India.

The project was spearheaded by Rtn. Vidya Thathamangalam, President of Rotary E-Club of Metro Dynamix and Project Chair, with scientific leadership from astrophysics researcher Surender Ponnalagar, Lead Scientist at Al Sadeem Astronomy, Abu Dhabi, and co-founder of OSF and CSTERC Techno Science LLP. Educator Bharathkumar Velusamy and Dr. S. Chitra, a teacher at Coimbatore Thudiyalur Corporation School, also played key roles in student mentoring and coordination.

The next phase of the initiative will involve approximately 330 students from the participating schools in analysing the scientific data collected during the balloon mission. They will study atmospheric conditions, examine aerosol behaviour and identify environmental concerns in their respective localities.

Based on their findings, students will prepare research reports and recommendations on air pollution and environmental quality. The findings are expected to be presented to the district administration and environmental experts.

Adding significance to the mission, the Rotary emblem also travelled aboard the scientific payload, symbolising the organisation’s commitment to education, innovation and community development.

Organisers said Project Uyarvu aims to make advanced science education accessible to government school students by providing opportunities to participate in real-world scientific research. The initiative seeks to promote scientific curiosity, critical thinking, teamwork and environmental awareness among young learners.

The project demonstrates how students from government schools can actively contribute to scientific exploration when given access to knowledge, technology and expert mentorship.