On March 17, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Shri S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research at the IIT Madras. This new facility, located within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Insitute of Technology Madras, aims to enhance research in thermal management for spacecraft and launch vehicles.
During the inauguration, ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan emphasized India’s advancements in cryogenic engine technology, noting that the country has developed three cryogenic engines, including one designed for human missions, despite earlier technological challenges. He mentioned that only six countries globally have mastered this technology.
The centre is named in honor of Shri S. Ramakrishnan, an IIT Madras alumnus and aerospace engineer celebrated for his significant contributions to launch vehicle engineering, particularly as Project Director for PSLV and GSLV Mk-III. He also held the position of Director at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), receiving the Padma Shri award in 2003.
IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti underscored the critical role of thermal and cooling technologies in space exploration. The centre will concentrate on thermal management for spacecraft and launch vehicles, conduct studies on cooling systems, perform high-fidelity simulations and testing, and provide training programs for ISRO scientists.
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This research centre will promote collaboration between ISRO scientists and the faculty and researchers at IIT Madras, aiming to tackle complex thermal challenges in space applications. Ultimately, it is expected to contribute to the development of reusable spacecraft and enhance deep-space exploration capabilities, supporting missions like Gaganyaan and future lunar and interplanetary endeavors.
