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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on March 17, 2025 inaugurated the Shri S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). The newly launched centre, which is based out of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT-M, aims to advance research in spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management.
During the inauguration, ISRO chairman, Dr V Narayanan highlighted India’s progress in cryogenic engine technology, saying that despite initial technological denials, the country now possesses three cryogenic engines, including a human-rated version. He noted that only six countries have developed this technology.
The centre is named after Shri S. Ramakrishnan, an IIT Madras alumnus and aerospace engineer known for his contributions to launch vehicle engineering, including his roles as Project Director for the PSLV and GSLV Mk-III. He also served as Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2003.
IIT Madras Director Prof V Kamakoti highlighted the importance of thermal and cooling technologies in space exploration. The centre will focus on spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management, cooling system studies, high-fidelity simulation and testing, and capacity building through training programs for ISRO scientists.
In addition to the new research centre, the Arcot Ramachandran Seminar Hall was inaugurated at IIT Madras by Prof Kamakoti. The seminar hall is named after Prof. Arcot Ramachandran, the former director of IIT Madras and an expert in heat transfer, who played a key role in establishing the Heat Transfer and Thermal Power Laboratory at the institute.
The research centre will facilitate collaboration between ISRO scientists and IIT Madras faculty and researchers to address complex thermal challenges in space applications. In the long run, it is expected to contribute to the development of reusable spacecraft and enhanced deep-space exploration capabilities, supporting missions such as Gaganyaan and future lunar and interplanetary projects.
