ISRO inaugurates thermal research centre at IIT Madras

V Narayanan, the Chairman of ISRO, officially opened a new research centre at IIT Madras on March 17, 2025. The centre is named 'Shri S. Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research'. It will focus on thermal management for spacecraft and launch vehicles, which is vital for India's space programs. This research initiative supports the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' goal, which promotes self-reliance in advanced technologies. It aims to attract international talent and research funding, helping India become a leader in thermal sciences related to space. The centre is located in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. It will be a key hub for studying heat transfer, cooling systems, and fluid dynamics. These studies are crucial for the development of next-generation spacecraft and satellite technologies. ISRO scientists will work closely with IIT Madras researchers to solve thermal challenges in space. The establishment of this centre is significant for India's space ambitions. Effective thermal control is important for the durability of satellites and the safety of missions. The research will support future lunar, Mars, and deep-space missions. During the inauguration, V Narayanan highlighted India's achievements in cryogenic engine technology. He noted that India now has three different cryogenic engines, with one designed for human spaceflight. He praised the efforts of everyone involved in this technology development and expressed optimism for future breakthroughs. Prof. V. Kamakoti, the Director of IIT Madras, mentioned the growing need for advanced thermal and cooling technologies. He believes the new centre, in collaboration with ISRO, will address these challenges effectively. The centre aims to achieve several objectives in the coming years. These include developing new cooling techniques for spacecraft electronics and enhancing the thermal management systems used in long-duration space missions. The focus will also be on integrating new research into ISRO's upcoming projects, including the Gaganyaan mission and other future explorations.