ISRO Chairman V Narayanan inaugurates a new research centre at IIT Madras named ‘Shri S. Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research’ on March 17, 2025.

MUMBAI: V Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, inaugurated a new research centre at IIT Madras on March 17, 2025.
The ‘Shri S. Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research’ aims to support ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, fostering self-reliance in advanced space technologies whilst attracting international talent and research funding. This establishment positions India as a frontrunner in thermal sciences research for space applications.
This advanced research facility, situated in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, will concentrate on essential developments in spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management, which is crucial for India’s expanding space aspirations.
S Ramakrishnan, a distinguished IIT Madras alumnus, was a notable aerospace engineer with significant achievements in launch vehicle engineering and development. He served as project director for PSLV and GSLV MK3, and held directorial positions at LPSC and VSSC. He received the Padma Shri in 2003 for his scientific and engineering contributions.
During the event, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, inaugurated the ‘Arcot Ramachandran Seminar Hall’ in V. Narayanan’s presence. Prof. Arcot Ramachandran (1923 – 2018), an internationally recognised heat transfer expert, directed IIT Madras from 1967 to 1973 and established the Heat Transfer and Thermal Power laboratory.
The centre will function as a primary hub for research in heat transfer, cooling systems and fluid dynamics, essential for next-generation spacecraft and satellite technologies. ISRO scientists will collaborate with IIT Madras faculty and researchers to address complex thermal challenges in space applications.
This development is significant for India’s space programme, as thermal control is essential for satellite longevity, spacecraft safety and mission success. The research will influence upcoming lunar, Mars and deep-space missions.
V Narayanan inaugurated this facility alongside Prof. V. Kamakoti, Dr. S. Somanath, Prof. Arvind Pattamatta, Prof. P. Chandramouli, Dr. P.V. Venkitakrishnan, faculty, researchers and students.
V. Narayanan stated, “The Cryogenic Engine technology was denied to India but today, we have three different such engines with the third one being human-rated. Only six countries in the world have this technology. We have made three world records in this technology – We got it right in our third attempt. Second, From the engine test to flight, we got it done in 28 months. Other countries took between 42 Months and 18 Years. and finally, we conducted the test in 34 Days which no other country had done as they took around 5 to 6 months.”
V. Narayanan added, “I thank all the people who contributed towards this effort. I am sure under Prof V Kamakoti’s leadership; the Institute will do great work. The Institute should aim for a couple of Nobel Prizes. The Department of space will support IIT Madras completely in all these efforts.”
Regarding S Ramakrishnan, Dr. V. Narayanan noted, “Shri S Ramakrishna was not just a technocrat but was a great Manager.” Prof. V. Kamakoti stated, “More and more we explore the space, we have an increasing need for technologies that could handle thermal and cooling requirements. I am sure the proposed Centre jointly with ISRO shall develop very effective solutions for the same.”
The centre’s primary responsibilities include spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management, experimental and numerical studies on cooling systems, high-fidelity simulation and testing facilities, and capacity building and training.
Prof. Arvind Pattamatta outlined the medium-term objectives: “In the Medium Term (Next 3-5 Years), we are hoping to achieve breakthroughs in Advanced Thermal Management such as development of new active and passive cooling techniques for spacecraft electronics and prototyping and Testing of Next-Gen Heat Pipes, which are Innovative cooling systems for long-duration space missions. Further integration with ISRO’s Space Missions and incorporation of new research findings into upcoming ISRO satellite and launch vehicle projects will also be a focus area.”
Dr. S. Somanath, Prof. P. Chandramouli, and Dr. P.V. Venkitakrishnan also addressed the gathering.
Long-term objectives include advancing spacecraft design, enhancing deep space exploration capabilities for missions like Gaganyaan, and strengthening indigenous space technology development.