ISRO and IIT Madras have joined hands once again to take India’s space research to new heights. On 17 March 2025, the two prestigious institutions inaugurated the S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence for Research in Fluid and Thermal Sciences at IIT Madras. This state-of-the-art facility will focus on spacecraft cooling, fluid dynamics, and cryogenic engine advancements, and is set to become a hub for cutting-edge research and development in these fields.
The centre, housed in IIT Madras’ Department of Mechanical Engineering, is a result of the collaboration between ISRO and IIT Madras. It is named after the renowned scientist and former Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Dr. S Ramakrishnan, who played a crucial role in the development of India’s space program. The centre is a fitting tribute to his contributions and will continue his legacy of excellence in research.
The S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence for Research in Fluid and Thermal Sciences is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, making it one of the most advanced research centres in the country. It will provide a platform for scientists and researchers from ISRO and IIT Madras to work together and exchange ideas, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations in the field of space technology.
One of the primary areas of focus at the centre will be spacecraft cooling. With the increasing demand for satellites and spacecraft, it has become crucial to develop efficient cooling systems to ensure their proper functioning in the harsh conditions of space. The centre will work towards developing new and improved cooling techniques that will enhance the performance and lifespan of spacecraft.
Fluid dynamics is another critical area of research at the centre. It deals with the study of fluids in motion and is essential in understanding the behavior of liquids and gases in space. The centre will conduct research to develop advanced models and simulations to analyze and predict the behavior of fluids in space, leading to the development of more efficient and reliable spacecraft.
The S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence for Research in Fluid and Thermal Sciences will also focus on cryogenic engine advancements. Cryogenic engines are crucial for launching and propelling spacecraft into orbit. The centre will work towards developing new and improved cryogenic engines that will reduce the cost of space missions and make them more efficient.
The collaboration between ISRO and IIT Madras is not new. The two institutions have a long history of working together and have achieved remarkable success in the past. This new centre is yet another step towards strengthening this partnership and leveraging each other’s strengths to achieve new milestones in space research.
The centre’s inauguration was attended by top officials from ISRO and IIT Madras, including the Chairman of ISRO, Dr. K Sivan, and the Director of IIT Madras, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi. In his address, Dr. Sivan highlighted the importance of this collaboration and how it will benefit India’s space program. He also expressed his confidence that the centre will become a hub for cutting-edge research and will contribute significantly to the country’s space technology.
Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, in his speech, emphasized the importance of research in the field of fluid and thermal sciences and how it is crucial for the development of space technology. He also expressed his gratitude towards ISRO for choosing IIT Madras as the host for this prestigious centre.
The S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence for Research in Fluid and Thermal Sciences is a significant step towards making India self-reliant in space technology. It will not only contribute to the growth of the country’s space program but also provide a platform for young researchers to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to the advancement of science and technology.
In conclusion, the collaboration between ISRO and IIT Madras has once again proven to be a winning combination. The S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence for Research in Fluid and Thermal Sciences is a testament to the country’s growing capabilities in space research and will undoubtedly pave the way for many more achievements in the future. With this new centre, India is all set to make its mark in the global space arena and continue its journey towards becoming a leader in space technology.
