Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)inaugurated “Shri S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research” at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). Based in Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT-M, the centre aims to advance India’s capabilities in spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management and contribute to making country self-reliant in advanced space technologies.
Key Highlights
Honoring Shri S. Ramakrishnan:
The centre is named after Shri S. Ramakrishnan, an eminent IIT Madras alumnus and aerospace engineer recognized for his crucial contributions to India’s space programme.
- He served as the Project Director for the PSLV and GSLV Mk-III launch vehicles.
- He held prominent roles as Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
- He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2003 for his achievements in aerospace engineering.
Focus Areas of Research:
The new facility will be a nodal centre for cutting-edge research in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and cooling systems—fields crucial for next-generation spacecraft and satellite technologies.
Key Roles of Centre Centre of Excellence:
- Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Thermal Management: Research will focus on heat dissipation challenges in satellites and launch vehicles, a critical factor for mission success and satellite longevity.
- Experimental & Numerical Studies on Cooling Systems: Developing advanced cooling solutions using innovative technologies such as:
- Micro heat pipes
- Spray cooling systems
- Vapour chambers
- Two-phase heat transfer devices
- High-Fidelity Simulation & Testing: Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and real-world experimental setups to validate thermal management solutions.
- Capacity Building and Training:
- Promoting advanced education and research by encouraging ISRO scientists to pursue higher degrees at IIT Madras.
- Fostering industry-academia collaborations to strengthen India’s space research ecosystem.
Significance for India’s Space Programme:
The new centre is expected to be a game-changer for India’s space missions, given the critical importance of thermal control in space exploration. Effective thermal management is essential for:
- Satellite longevity and optimal performance
- Spacecraft safety during extended missions
- Mission success in lunar, Mars, and deep-space explorations
By addressing these challenges, the research at this Centre of Excellence (CoE) will directly impact future space missions, including India’s upcoming deep-space ventures.