COIMBATORE: Fifty-five students from 11 govt middle schools in Periyanaickenpalayam block have gained first-hand experience in near-space research by designing and launching a scientific payload aboard a helium balloon that ascended to an altitude of more than 35km (stratosphere).The initiative, Project Uyarvu, was taken by Rotary E-Club of Metro Dynamix in collaboration with Open Space Foundation (OSF), an Isro-registered Space Tutor, and CSTERC Techno Science LLP. Images captured during the mission were released at a press briefing in Coimbatore on Friday.The approximately 2kg payload carried scientific instruments to measure atmospheric parameters, including temperature, pressure, relative humidity and altitude, besides studying atmospheric aerosols. Students from classes VI to VIII participated in conceptualising and developing the payload, gaining practical exposure to atmospheric science and scientific instrumentation.The initiative aims at taking govt school students beyond classroom learning and introducing them to scientific research through hands-on experience.The next phase will involve around 330 students from the participating schools analysing the data collected during the mission. They will study atmospheric measurements and aerosol behaviour, identify environmental concerns around their schools and prepare reports on air pollution and environmental quality. Their findings will be submitted to the district administration and environmental experts.Project Uyarvu builds on Project Vinveli, through which around 1,600 students from 40 govt schools received experiential learning in astronomy and telescope-based observation.
