The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has teamed up with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to launch a new Centre of Excellence focused on “Fluid and Thermal Sciences.” With an initial seed funding of Rs 1.84 crore from ISRO, the Centre will become a vital hub for thermal management research, targeting solutions for spacecraft and launch vehicles.
The new Centre will concentrate on research related to spacecraft thermal management, combustion instability in hybrid rockets, and cryo-tank thermodynamics. This collaboration between ISRO and IIT Madras will also expand the research scope for the Department of Space, contributing to advancements in fluid and thermal sciences that are essential for India’s space exploration goals.
This partnership not only provides vital infrastructure and support for innovative research projects but also strengthens the relationship between ISRO scientists and IIT Madras faculty.

ISRO-IIT Madras collaboration: New research centre for space thermal challenges

According to IIT Madras, the new Centre will become a key hub for ISRO’s thermal management research, particularly for spacecraft and launch vehicle applications. This collaboration aims to tackle thermal challenges related to the design, analysis, and testing of components, drawing on the expertise of IIT Madras faculty.
The proposal for this Centre of Excellence stems from the recognition of the need to generate foundational knowledge through advanced academic research to further India’s space ambitions. In 1985, ISRO and IIT Madras established the ‘ISRO-IIT M Space Technology Cell’ to support this vision.
On November 11, an MoU was signed at IIT Madras between Prof. Manu Santhanam, Dean of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research at IIT Madras, and Victor Joseph T, Director of the Directorate of Technology Development & Innovation (DTDI) at ISRO. The signing took place in the presence of Project Coordinator Prof. Arvind Pattamatta from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, along with other stakeholders from both IIT Madras and ISRO.
Professor Arvind Pattamatta from IIT Madras’ Department of Mechanical Engineering explained that the Centre of Excellence would foster a unique industry-academia interface, enabling collaboration between ISRO scientists and IIT Madras faculty and students. He emphasized that together, they would advance research in critical areas of thermal science and address complex engineering challenges. The goal, he added, is to contribute significantly to India’s space program and enhance the country’s self-reliance in space technologies.

Major features of the IIT Madras and ISRO collaboration

Thermal management research hub

The Centre will act as a critical research hub for ISRO, dedicated to tackling thermal management challenges related to spacecraft and launch vehicles. Leveraging the expertise of IIT Madras faculty, this facility aims to address thermal issues in design, analysis, and testing.

Funding for infrastructure and future projects

ISRO’s initial seed funding of Rs 1.84 crore will provide essential infrastructure and equipment. Additional funding is also planned to support consumables, maintenance, and upcoming projects in fluid-thermal sciences, positioning the Centre as a long-term asset for both academic and industry research.

Advanced research projects

Key research initiatives will include spacecraft thermal management, managing combustion instability in hybrid rockets, and the thermodynamics of cryogenic tanks. These projects will directly contribute to advancements in space technology, especially in areas critical to ISRO’s upcoming missions.

Strengthened industry-academia collaboration

The Centre will foster stronger collaboration between ISRO scientists and IIT Madras faculty, creating a platform for innovation in fluid and thermal sciences. This partnership is expected to bring significant developments in space research and technology.
Also Read | What is the Pinaka? India’s multi-barrel rocket system gains global attention

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has achieved a milestone in space exploration: The Gaganyaan Mission, India’s first human spaceflight program. To ensure its success, ISRO is conducting an “analog mission” on Earth, which will take place in Ladakh. This mission will allow scientists to study the physical and mental challenges faced by humans in space.

What is an Analog Space Mission?

An analog space mission helps scientists observe the physical, mental, and operational conditions of space while remaining on Earth. This mission will include isolation, confinement, and limited communication. Analog missions are important because they let scientists explore space environments and test physiological, psychological, and technical issues. The analog mission focuses on preparing astronauts for long-duration space exploration, life support, human adaptability, and emergency strategies. This mission is part of ISRO’s Gaganyaan program, which aims to send astronauts to low-Earth orbit for several days. By conducting an analog space mission, ISRO can train astronauts and help them be well-prepared and equipped for emergencies.

Aim of the Analog Mission

Why Ladakh has been chosen as the prime location?

The Indian Space Research Organisation has opted for Ladakh as the site for the analog mission for several reasons. Ladakh’s climate, environment, and geography make it an ideal site for the mission, as it closely resembles the conditions of a lunar or Martian environment. Ladakh has been chosen for its extreme environment, high altitude, low oxygen levels, and extremely cold conditions. Ladakh’s challenging atmosphere allows scientists to test human psychology and the environmental adaptability of astronauts. The isolation experience in Ladakh is similar to that in space, helping astronauts and scientists predict the effects of long-term isolation on a mission. The Government of India has invested in Ladakh to make it accessible for space missions, providing logistical support to ensure smooth operations.

NEW DELHI: The country’s first analog space mission has taken off at Leh in Ladakh, where space agency Isro will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat as India is planning to send a human to the Moon in the near future.
Analog space missions are field tests in locations on Earth that have physical similarities to the extreme space environments and play a significant role in problem solving for spaceflight research. Ladakh has been chosen for such a mission as the geographical features of the area — dry and cold climate, barren land, high-altitude terrain and extreme isolation — are considered to closely resemble Martian and lunar landscapes, and are an ideal training ground for scientific missions aimed at exploring planets.
“India’s first analog space mission kicks off in Leh! A collaborative effort by Human Spaceflight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and supported by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, this mission will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth,” Isro posted on X on Friday.
The month-long mission, which kicked off mid-Oct, comes in the wake of India’s plans to set up lunar habitats, which could provide a base to launch interplanetary missions. The mission includes a compact, inflatable habitat named Hab-1, which is equipped with essentials like a hydroponics farm, kitchen, and sanitation facilities. It provides a self-sustaining environment, offering valuable data as India is planning long-duration space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Lying at an elevation over 3,000 metres above sea level, Ladakh has oxygen levels only 40% of those at sea level. The low-pressure, low-oxygen setting allows researchers to evaluate life support systems under conditions similar to those on Mars. The team of AAKA Space Studio is therefore testing environment suits and conducting geological studies in Leh.
Currently, scores of analog missions are being organised by space agencies as well as private entities and researchers. Some of the prominent ones are Nasa’s Analog Missions Project and Analog Astronaut Training Center. The Nasa project is managed by Johnson Space Center and includes four funded analog missions: Research and Technology Studies (RATS), Nasa’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO), In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), and International Space Station (ISS) Test bed for Analog Research (ISTAR). Analog Astronaut Training Center (AATC) in Poland has two full-isolation research laboratories and an analog astronaut training program. AATC, which has organised 75 analog simulations till the end of 2023, specialises in human physiology research and operational training for scientists, engineers, and astronaut candidates.

BENGALURU: Isro on Friday said India’s first Analogue space mission kicks off in Leh, in a collaborative effort by its Human Spaceflight Centre, Aaka Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and supported by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.
“…This mission will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth,” Isro, which is in talks with multiple academic groups for a larger analogue research project, said.
Aaka, which has initiated the country’s first Mars and Moon Analogue mission in Ladakh is conducting a month-long project in partnership with Isro and other partners.
Aaka founder Aastha Jhala, told TOI: “The habitat prototype, developed by Aaka Space Studio, features advanced technologies including an EVA (extra-vehicular activity) preparation zone, circadian lighting systems, and hydroponics for food production. A stand-alone solar power system and comprehensive environmental monitoring ensure the habitat’s self-sufficiency in extreme conditions.”
Led by Aastha, the mission aims at leveraging Ladakh’s unique environmental characteristics that mirror Mars-like conditions. The region’s high altitude provides only 40% of sea-level oxygen, while its extreme temperature variations from 15°C to -10°C closely simulate the challenging conditions astronauts might face on Mars or the Moon.
“This mission represents a crucial step in developing sustainable human habitats for space exploration,” Aastha said.
The research conducted during this mission will not only test the habitat’s physical systems but also study human adaptation to isolation and extreme environments. The findings will be shared with the global scientific community, contributing to the advancement of space habitation technology.
However, this is only the first such mission, and will not be India’s only mission in analogue research and findings from multiple such endeavours are expected to play a key role in India’s future endeavours of having a more sustainable presence on Moon and Mars, in line with global efforts.

In a significant achievement for India, Dr S Somanath, secretary of the department of space and chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), received the IAF World Space award for 2024, in Milan, on Monday.
The recognition was conferred for the Indian space agency’s success with the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which marked a significant leap in lunar exploration.
“ISRO is honored to announce that Dr.S. Somanath, Secretary DOS and Chairman ISRO, has received the prestigious IAF World Space Award for Chandrayaan-3’s remarkable achievement . This recognition celebrates India’s contributions to space exploration. Celebrations underway in Milan as we continue to strive for new frontiers,” announced Isro on social media.

The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) had announced the award in June for outstanding contributions in space science and space technology. Isro chief Somanath received the award on Monday.
“Chandrayaan-3 mission by Indian Space Research Organisation exemplifies the synergy of scientific curiosity and cost-effective engineering, symbolizing India’s commitment to excellence and the vast potential that space exploration offers humanity. Rapidly unveiling previously undiscovered facets of the Moon’s composition and geology, the mission stands as a global testament to innovation. Achieving a historic milestone, Chandrayaan-3 becomes the first to touch down near the lunar South Pole, showcasing both aspiration and technological prowess on an international scale, the IAF had said.
Calling it a “global testament to innovation”, the IAF said that Indian Space Research Organisation’s Chandrayaan-3 mission “exemplifies the synergy of scientific curiosity and cost-effective engineering, symbolizing India’s commitment to excellence and the vast potential that space exploration offers humanity.”
“Achieving a historic milestone, Chandrayaan-3 becomes the first to touch down near the lunar South Pole, showcasing both aspiration and technological prowess on an international scale,” added the international space advocacy organisation.
Last year, the IAF bestowed this award to Elon Musk, recognising for his contributions to the field of astronautics as head of SpaceX. The agency acknowledged Musk’s “visionary understanding of the role and importance of astronautics to humanity’s future combined with a willingness to commit his own resources, life and drive and ability to make it happen through Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX).”

BENGALURU: India, whose lunar ambitions have been more clearly articulated now than a decade ago, is firing on all engines with the National Space Commission, the apex body that decides on space missions, clearing the fifth lunar mission — the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission or Lupex.
Unlike missions Chandrayaan 1 to 4, this will be jointly implemented by India and Japan, but is part of India’s lunar series that eventually aims to send an Indian to the Moon and bring her/him back.The Union cabinet cleared Chandrayaan-4 on Sept 18, and Lupex will be put up for cabinet clearance soon, although the space commission nod gives Isro the go-ahead to work on the mission.
“We wanted some more approvals [from cabinet] to happen. Possibly, in the coming days, they will also get approved… We have to have a series of Chandrayaan missions which will build up the capability from the current level to the one which will actually send humans to land on the Moon and bring them back,” Isro chairman S Somanath told TOI in an exclusive interview.
Lupex is a mission aimed at exploring the Moon for water and other resources and gaining expertise in exploring the surface of the Moon.
Long-term lunar vision
“At present, it is at the technical discussion level. Commitment from the Japanese side is known. They have assigned the development of the rover to a firm. Also, their govt has allocated money for the project and they’ve identified their launcher for it,” he said. Although Isro and Japanese space agency Jaxa signed an agreement in 2017, one of the challenges that prevented work on Lupex after India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission — as was the initial plan — was the inability to demonstrate soft-landing of the lander on the lunar surface.
“…So, we took it up after Chandrayaan-3 soft-landing. We found that the configuration of Lupex spacecraft needed total re-engineering. And, it should also align with the long-term vision of our Moon programme. It cannot be just a replication of whatever we’ve done, but it should add features, which would ultimately become useful for human landing,” Somanath said.

Engine for human landing
He added that Isro has completed re-engineering the spacecraft, which called for the development of a new lander engine. “This engine will ultimately be used for human landing on the Moon. That engine, being built by LPSC (Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre), will be part of Lupex, which means we will have the capability early,” he said.
“…The lander is heavier (compared to the initial design) and the rover is also 350kg. Now, how will the rover be taken out of the lander and put on the surface? Such a big rover cannot be carried inside the lander as we did with Chandrayaan-3, we have to mount it externally. Once you’ve done that, how do you remove it and place it on the floor (of the Moon)? We are looking at a sky-crane type of arrangement to do this. All of this was done in the last one year — the relook at the architecture and design,” Somanath said.
Chandrayaan-5?
TOI had reported last year that Lupex would require a more powerful lander engine as the lander size was not comparable with Chandrayaan-3. On the timeline for Lupex, Somanath said: “Both (Chandrayaan-4 and Lupex) should happen parallel to each other. Possibly Chandrayaan-5 should happen soon after Chandrayaan-4, there cannot be much delay. It won’t be that work on Chandrayaan-5 will begin after Chandrayaan-4.”
On whether Lupex has been designated Chandrayaan-5, he said: “We would like to call it Chandrayaan-5 but that will require approvals. We will seek further approvals to fit it under the Chandrayaan series, which will have missions beyond Chandrayaan-5 — we’re looking at what technologies we would need so as to reach the human landing stage.”

CHENNAI: Students of a private university in Sri Lanka and city-based space start-up SpaceKidz India have entered into a collaboration to develop a communication satellite, which is expected to be launched by space agency Isro next year, officials said on Thursday. For the mission, Jaffna-based Northern Uni promoted by its founder-Chairman Indira Kumar Pathmanathan exchanged documents with SpaceKidz India Founder-CEO Srimathy Kesan at an event here.
The collaboration would provide an opportunity for the students of Northern Uni, government schools in Jaffna, along with their counterparts in Tamil Nadu to jointly design, develop and launch a communication satellite.
The satellite would carry sophisticated instruments aimed at studying the space atmosphere and demonstrating cutting-edge communication technologies, Pathmanathan said.
“The project will also mark the first student-led satellite project and government school students of Jaffna, ” he told reporters. It would also offer students first-hand exposure to satellite technology and also the chance to participate in groundbreaking research that has the potential to contribute innovative solutions to global challenges.
“The initiative will equip students with essential skills in satellite development, data analysis, and communication technologies preparing them for future careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)fields,” he said.
SpaceKidz India founder-CEO Srimathy Kesan said, “It is a great day for students of both India and Sri Lanka to be able to collaborate on science and technology. It is an opportunity for the students to develop their skills in STEM.”
Recalling an interaction with Indira Kumar Pathmanathan, Srimathy Kesan said he told her that not many students hailing from Jaffna get access to education.
“These students have witnessed war. But, they did not have any access to education. Only about 4,500 students of the total 22,000 students (from Jaffna) have access,” she said and this encouraged Pathmanathan to provide them the opportunity to study science and technology.
According to Northern Uni officials, two campus ambassadors — Meenakshi Sundaram and Kasthury Natharuban currently pursuing their graduation in science and technology — would be involved in educating the students at the University on the space exploration programme.
IN-SPACe Ahmedabad Director Prafulla Kumar Jain who was present on the occasion said international cooperation is required while studying about space and today’s MoU (between Northern Uni and SpaceKidz India) s is a real international collaboration as space does not have any boundaries.
“SpaceKidz have been involved in the Indian space programme with their maiden Kalamsat-V2 successfully launch (in 2019)”, he said.
The student payload Kalamsat-V2 used in the fourth stage of the PSLV-C44 mission was successfully placed into designated orbit in January, 2019.
Later responding to a query, Srimathy Kesan said it would take at least a year for developing the communication satellite. “We have signed the MoU today. We will submit our proposal to Isro. The Mission launch may take place between October-December 2025”, she said.
The Mission comprises two phases with Phase 1 would focus on training the students in space and technology. About 50 school students from Sri Lanka, 10 school students from Tamil Nadu would undergo comprehensive training. This phase has been designated to give participants a foundational understanding of satellite development and space missions.
The second phase would involve 30 college students from Sri Lanka who would be directly engaged in building, integrating and preparing the satellite ahead of the mission launch, they said.

BENGALURU: Isro, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and space PSU NewSpace India Limited (Nsil) have achieved a milestone by signing 75 Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements with Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) since the implementation of space reforms. The Centre announced the space reforms in mid-2020.
The latest batch of five ToTs was signed Friday, pushing the total count to 75.The agreements were inked with private companies including Anabond Ltd., Salvo Industries Pvt Ltd., Micropack Pvt Ltd., and Astra Microwave Products Ltd.
These agreements are part of a broader initiative to grant private players access to Isro’s advanced technologies, fostering innovation and commercial applications across various sectors, IN-SPACe said.
The technology transfer programme extends beyond space-related applications to areas such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, defence, telecommunications, and cybersecurity.
Pawan Goenka, chairman, IN-SPACe, highlighted the significance of this achievement and said: “The milestone of 75 ToTs marks a significant step forward in empowering India’s space private sector. This reflects our effort at IN-SPACe in facilitating successful collaborations between Isro, Nsil and non-governmental entities, supporting them in driving innovation and contributing to the growth of a thriving space economy in India.”
The initiative aligns with India’s space reforms, which aim to boost private sector participation in the space industry. By encouraging collaboration between government agencies and private entities, the country seeks to accelerate innovation, expand its space capabilities, and strengthen its position in the global space ecosystem.