He served as Chairman of ISRO from 1984-1994.
By Dileep Thekkethil
The former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Department of Space Secretary Udipi Ramachandra Rao has been inducted into the “Satellite Hall of Fame” by the Society of Satellite Professionals International, in Washington, DC.
Rao is the first space scientist from India to find place amongst 50 scientists listed in the coveted “Satellite Hall of Fame”.
Rao was honored at a function held in Washington DC last week. More than 1,000 guests from interdisciplinary areas related to space research were present for witnessing the proceedings.
Rao’s forte was in his contribution towards developing Indian Remote Sensing Satellite and communication devices.
An ISRO report on Rao says, “More than any other single individual, Prof. Rao is responsible for the creation of India’s space and satellite capabilities and their application to the nation’s development”.
Enhancement made by India in the development of indigenous rockets during Rao’s tenure as the chairman of ISRO and his contribution in developing GSLV satellites and cryogenic technology helped him being inducted into the “Satellite Hall of Fame”.
Rao served as the chairman of ISRO from 1984 till 1994. The octogenarian scientist is a native of Bangalore and now spearheads the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad.