ISRO and IIT Madras Establish Research Centre for Thermal Sciences in Space Applications

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the S. Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. The research facility, inaugurated on March 17, 2025, will focus on thermal management technologies for spacecraft and launch vehicles.

The centre, housed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras, will conduct research on heat transfer, cooling systems, and fluid dynamics for space applications. ISRO scientists will collaborate with IIT Madras faculty and researchers to develop advanced thermal control solutions, essential for spacecraft longevity and mission safety.

Research activities will include experimental and numerical studies on cooling systems such as micro heat pipes, spray cooling, vapor chambers, and two-phase heat transfer devices. The centre will also use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental testing facilities for validation.

Additionally, the centre aims to support capacity building by facilitating advanced degree programs for ISRO scientists and promoting collaborations between academia and industry. The research outcomes are expected to contribute to upcoming lunar, Mars, and deep-space missions.

The inauguration event was attended by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, and faculty members from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.