What is the primary objective of the Shri S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research 2025, at IIT Madras?​

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) To tackle complex thermal challenges in space applications

Explanation:

• The centre, launched on March 17, 2025, focuses on thermal management for spacecraft and launch vehicles.
• It serves as a nodal hub for research in heat transfer, cooling systems, and fluid dynamics essential for space missions.
• It emphasises solving thermal dissipation issues in satellites and launch vehicles using advanced cooling techniques.
• The centre aims to support upcoming lunar, Mars and deep-space missions by enabling effective spacecraft thermal design.
• ISRO scientists will collaborate with IIT Madras researchers to conduct high-fidelity simulations and experimental studies on spacecraft thermal concerns.

Information Booster:

• The centre is supported by ISRO and positioned as a national-level research hub dedicated to thermal science innovations in space systems.
• Research activities include development of new active/passive cooling techniques, next-generation heat pipes, vapor chambers and spray cooling systems for long-duration missions.

Additional Knowledge:

To enhance India's capabilities in satellite navigation systems (Option a)

• This relates to navigation technologies like GPS/GNSS, which are not the focus of this centre.
• ISRO has separate programs like NavIC for navigation development.
• The IIT Madras centre focuses on thermal-fluid research, not satellite positioning.

To establish a research hub for space-related medical research (Option b)

• This option is unrelated; the centre does not deal with space medicine or bioastronautics.
• Space medical research is typically handled by separate institutes like INMAS or by ISRO's life sciences programs.

To develop advanced propulsion systems for launch vehicles (Option d)

• Propulsion system research involves engine design and fuel combustion studies, not thermal management.
• ISRO's propulsion research is conducted in dedicated centres like LPSC, not at this thermal science centre.
• The IIT Madras facility focuses on heat management, not propulsion mechanics.