The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has commissioned the building of a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel and Shock Tunnel at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvanathapuram.
The two tunnels, which will enable ISRO to simulate hypersonic speeds and extremely high temperatures, aim to increase ISRO’s testing abilities with the hope that it will lower manufacturing costs in the long run.
According to the Times of India, ISRO Chairman Kiran Kumar said commissioning of such facilities would provide adequate data for design and development of current and future space transportation systems in the country.
The two tunnels are indigenously designed and manufactured, and are the products of a collaboration between the Indian government and private enterprises.
Image courtesy of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
