The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have come together to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to pioneering research in fluid and thermal sciences. This collaborative initiative aims to address complex thermal engineering challenges related to launch vehicles and spacecraft. Announced on Monday, the collaboration between IIT Madras and ISRO will not only enhance India’s capabilities in space technology but will also strengthen the bond between industry and academia in the field of space research.

ISRO is providing seed funding of approximately US$ 218,112.8 (Rs. 1.84 crore) to establish this research centre, which will act as a central hub for advanced research in thermal management. With IIT Madras’ highly skilled faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the CoE will conduct research critical to improving thermal regulation and management for various components of launch vehicles and spacecraft, such as cryo-tank thermodynamics and combustion stability in hybrid rockets.

Advancing India’s Space Programme
The CoE is expected to bring about a revolutionary shift in India's space research ecosystem, particularly in the thermal sciences that underpin the performance of space vehicles. The centre’s primary focus will be on thermal management and the fluid dynamics of spacecraft and launch systems. Research conducted here will contribute significantly to enhancing the durability, stability, and efficiency of ISRO’s space missions, thus driving India toward self-reliance in space technologies.

Professor Arvind Pattamatta, of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras, explained that this collaboration will provide a unique interface for industry-academia collaboration. He believes that by combining ISRO’s practical insights with IIT Madras’ academic research capabilities, the CoE will deliver solutions to some of the most challenging thermal engineering problems. This industry-academia synergy will also offer opportunities for students and researchers to work directly with ISRO scientists, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications.

Historical Collaboration between ISRO and IIT Madras
This partnership builds upon a strong foundation of collaboration between IIT Madras and ISRO, which began in 1985 with the establishment of the ISRO-IIT Madras Space Technology Cell. The cell was designed to facilitate cutting-edge research in space technology, fostering a long-standing relationship between ISRO and IIT Madras. The proposed CoE will further consolidate this partnership by focusing specifically on thermal and fluid sciences—areas critical for the successful deployment and operation of space vehicles.

Strategic Research Areas
ISRO has identified several key areas for research within the CoE, which include thermal management of spacecraft, thermodynamics in cryogenic tanks, and combustion stability in hybrid rockets. Each of these areas plays an essential role in the performance and success of space missions. By conducting focused research on these topics, the CoE aims to address thermal challenges in space exploration, ensuring that India’s launch vehicles and spacecraft meet global standards of reliability and efficiency.

This new initiative also aligns with India’s goal of strengthening its space infrastructure and achieving greater self-sufficiency in space technology. As the demand for space missions grows, addressing issues such as thermal regulation becomes increasingly crucial. The CoE will work to develop solutions that support ISRO’s ambitious goals for future space missions, making a meaningful contribution to India’s national space programme.

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