Bengaluru: Renowned Space Scientist and former ISRO Chairman Udupi Ramachandra Rao, known as UR Rao passed away at the age of 85 at his Bengaluru residence this morning.
Rao, who was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1976 and Padma Vibhushan in 2017, had launched India’s first satellite Aryabhatta in 1975. He served as the ISRO Chairman from 1984 till 1994.
UR Rao was the first Indian to be inducted in the Satellite Hall of Fame – Washington in 2013 and in International Astronautics Federation (IAF) in 2016.
PM Modi condoled the demise of Prof. UR Rao, tweeting “Saddened by demise of renowned scientist, Professor UR Rao. His remarkable contribution to India’s space programme will never be forgotten”.
Ms Kalinga