Chennai: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to launch a Centre of Excellence in 'Fluid and Thermal Sciences'.

ISRO will contribute Rs 1.84 crore as seed funding for the centre, which aims to address critical thermal management challenges in spacecraft and launch vehicles.

The collaboration agreement was signed on November 11, 2024, at IIT Madras by Prof. Manu Santhanam, Dean of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research, and Mr. Victor Joseph T, Director of ISRO's Directorate of Technology Development & Innovation.

This centre will serve as a research hub for ISRO, enabling in-depth studies on spacecraft thermal management, hybrid rocket combustion stability, and cryo-tank thermodynamics.

The centre fosters academia-industry collaboration, with IIT Madras faculty and ISRO scientists working jointly on advanced research projects.

According to project coordinator Prof. Arvind Pattamatta, the initiative will support India's space program by enhancing expertise in thermal sciences and strengthening self-reliance in space technology.

ISRO and IIT Madras have a longstanding relationship, including the establishment of the 'ISRO-IIT M Space Technology Cell' in 1985 to promote foundational space research.