Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to create a Centre of Excellence focused on advancing research in ‘Fluid and Thermal Sciences’. This collaboration is aimed at addressing key challenges in thermal management for spacecraft and launch vehicles, crucial for the nation’s space missions.
Initial Funding and Infrastructure
To support the initiative, ISRO has pledged initial seed funding of Rs 1.84 crore. These funds will be used to establish the Centre, as well as to build the necessary infrastructure and procure essential equipment. Additionally, ISRO will provide further funding for consumables, maintenance, and future research projects in fluid and thermal sciences. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance India’s capabilities in space technology and self-reliance.
Focus Areas of Research
The Centre will function as a dedicated research hub, specifically addressing the thermal management needs of ISRO’s spacecraft and launch vehicles. The collaboration will leverage the expertise of IIT Madras faculty and focus on critical areas such as spacecraft thermal management, combustion instability in hybrid rockets, and cryogenic tank thermodynamics.
The partnership will involve high-level research to tackle the thermal issues that arise during the design, analysis, and testing of various space technology components. By combining academic knowledge with industry expertise, the Centre will drive innovation in thermal engineering, which is essential for the successful operation of space missions.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
The MoU for this collaboration was signed on November 11, 2024, by Prof. Manu Santhanam, Dean of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research at IIT Madras, and Mr. Victor Joseph T, Director of the Directorate of Technology Development & Innovation (DTDI) at ISRO. Prof. Arvind Pattamatta, Project Coordinator and Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, was also present at the signing, along with other stakeholders from both institutions.
Prof. Pattamatta highlighted that the Centre of Excellence will create a unique industry-academia interface, allowing researchers and scientists from both ISRO and IIT Madras to work together closely. This collaboration will help develop advanced thermal science solutions, which will contribute significantly to India’s space program, boosting the nation’s self-reliance in space technologies.
Long-Term Impact and Future Goals
The collaboration aims to foster long-term research and development in thermal management for space technology. By addressing complex challenges in fluid and thermal sciences, the Centre of Excellence will play a crucial role in supporting ISRO’s space missions. The projects initiated through this partnership will be pivotal in overcoming thermal challenges related to spacecrafts and rockets, ensuring their optimal performance in extreme conditions.
Additionally, the partnership will open avenues for greater collaboration between ISRO scientists and IIT Madras faculty, paving the way for innovative solutions to critical space technology issues. The Centre of Excellence will not only provide a platform for advanced research but also create a space for future generations of engineers and scientists to engage in high-impact research.
Conclusion
The collaboration between IIT Madras and ISRO is a significant step forward in advancing India’s space technology capabilities. With a focus on thermal and fluid sciences, the Centre of Excellence will enhance India’s position in global space exploration, fostering innovation and research in key areas that will shape the future of space missions. This partnership is a testament to the power of academia-industry collaboration in driving technological advancements and strengthening India’s space program.
