Bengaluru, Jul 24: Eminent Indian space scientist Udupi Ramachandra Rao, better known as Professor UR Rao, has died at his Bengaluru home early this morning. He was 85.
“Prof. Rao, 85, passed away in his Indira Nagar home in Bengaluru a little before 3 a.m. on Monday,” an ISRO source confirmed.
He was responsible for the launch of India's first satellite Aryabhata.
Active almost until his last days, Prof. Rao had been to his office in the Department of Space's Antariksh Bhavan about three weeks back, the source said.
The celebrated space scientist was the fourth Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during its critical formative years between 1984 and 1994.
ISRO credits him with establishing the development of indigenous satellite technology, giving thrust to early rocket development efforts with the ASLV and the PSLV.
He initiated the development of the medium powered GSLV rocket for two-tonne spacecraft in 1991.
It was during his time that India was denied the Russian cryogenic technology for the GSLV's upper third stage.
U.R.Rao, as he is better known, was decorated with the Padma Vibhushan this year and the Padma Shri in 1976. He is the only Indian to date to have been inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame, Washington, in 2013 by the Society of Satellite Professionals International.
Dr. Rao was born in Adamaru near Udupi on March 10, 1932. He is survived by his wife, a scientist, and a daughter.
The cremation will be at 3.30 p.m. at the Hebbal crematorium, an associate said.
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