Bengaluru: Veteran Indian space scientist U R Rao passes away


Bengaluru, Jul 24 (IANS): Renowned Indian space scientist U.R. Rao, the architect of early satellites including Aryabhatta, Bhaskar, Apple, Rohini and multi-purpose Insat series, passed away here early on Monday, said an ISRO official. He was 85.

Rao passed away at his residence around 3 a.m. after prolonged illness and due to age-related health issues, an official of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told IANS. Rao's wife, who was also a scientist, son and daughter were at the bed side when he breathed his last.

His last rites were held on Monday evening with full state honours.

A 21-gun salute was given and bugles were sounded before the last rites at Hebbal crematorium where hundreds of people, including scientists, engineers, officials, friends and relatives bid him a tearful adieu.

Rao, who was Chairman of ISRO for a decade until 1994, was in a private hospital till recently due to a heart ailment and was recovering at home, the official said.

Rao's death plunged the scientific community into grief.

"Saddened by the demise of renowned scientist. His remarkable contribution to India's space programme will never be forgotten," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

ISRO Chairman A.S. Krishna Kumar, senior space scientists and many others from the space agency rushed to Rao's house on hearing the news.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also visited the house and laid a wreath on Rao's body.

As a mark of respect, Rao's cortege was taken to ISRO's Satellite Centre on the Old Airport Road in the eastern suburb from his residence to enable hundreds of scientists and officials to pay homage.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted: "U.R. Rao led India's space research programme to unprecedented heights. His contribution was remarkable. I'm saddened by his demise."

BJP President Amit Shah too saluted Rao's "remarkable contribution" to India's space research programme.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said Rao helped to take ISRO to unparalleled heights since the launch of Aryabhatta.

In a message to the bereaved family, Siddaramaiah said: "Rao served the country and the Indian space agency for over four decades.

"He was the architect of the early satellites, including Aryabhatta, Bhaskar, Apple, Rohini and many multi-purpose Insat series of satellites."

He said Rao brought about a dramatic change in communications, remote sensing and weather services in the country.

He also praised his scientific temper and described him as "a proud Indian and a Kannadiga". "He was humble and simple though a towering personality in the international space community."

Born on March 10, 1932, near Udupi, Rao was Chairman of the Governing Council of the space agency's Physical Research Laboratory at Ahmedabad and Chancellor for the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology at Thiruvananthapuram.

The Indian government this year conferred the country's second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, on Rao, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1976.

Rao was the first Indian to be inducted in May 2016 into the prestigious International Astronautics Federation's Hall of Fame at Guadalajara in Mexico.

The Paris-based space advocacy organisation was set up in 1951 to promote dialogue and exchange information for space cooperation in the world.

Rao was also inducted into the 'Satellite Hall of Fame' in Washington in 2013 by the Society of Satellite Professionals International, an ISRO official said.

As a pioneer in space technology, Rao contributed immensely to the optimal utilization of space assets for satellite-based communications and remote sensing of the country's natural resources.

He was instrumental in the development of the geostationary launch vehicle (GSLV) and the development of cryogenic technology.

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • Francis Rego, Abu Dhabi, Siddakatte

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    I remember him as the ISRO Chairman during my student years
    Truly a great Scientist, is the person who laid the strong foundaton for ISRO
    And it is a great honor for us for he was from our undivided district Dakshina Kannada!
    May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace

    Reply Report Abuse

  • VR, Udupi

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    Dr. U.R. Rao made a bigger impact on India than Dr. C.N.R. Rao who received Bharata Ratna award not to mention Dr. C.N.R. Rao did create some controversies. Aryabhata, the first Indian satellite was the brain child of Dr. U.R. Rao. Thanks to his contribution to Indian space science, India is now a pioneer in satellite technologies. Dr. U.R. Rao is the first Indian to be inducted into Satellite Hall of Fame, Washington, USA. A great loss to to India and to the scientific world. PM and President of India should pay final respects to the departed soul by setting aside all their engagements. RIP sir.

    Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Bengaluru/Katapadi

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    Great brain and a noble person.May his soul rest in eternal peace in heaven

    Reply Report Abuse

  • juliana, udupi

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    Hailing from Udupi a great son of mother India brought recognition to the space research organization of his motherland. A great soul may he rest in peace. An inspiration to the future generation by laying foundation to communication through the space. Great son of the soil. He did his best born as human being and brought the name of Udupi to the fore front. Thank you Dr. Rao for your achievements in making this world a better place to live. You brought the world closer than ever.

    Reply Report Abuse

  • G R PRABHUJI, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    Really A great person. RIP.

    Reply Report Abuse

  • vasant Raj, Mangalore / Abudhabi

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    RIP...Dear Rao...

    Reply Report Abuse

  • seetharam shetty, Boloor Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    Great loss for Indian Space technology and he really deserve for the India's highest civilian award Baratha Rathna. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

    Reply Report Abuse

  • k b r, Mangaluru

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    pride of updupi..pride of Karnataka , hope Indian government gives Bharath ratna to the great scientist and adminstrator....

    Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    RIP Sir ...

    Reply Report Abuse

  • A.QUADROS, Kundapur

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    When I was in college in Science stream, myself and for couple of my classmates, Mr. Udupi Ramachandra Rao was our hero and a roll model when he was in the helm of affairs as our countries top Scientist at ISRO. Ourselves and perhaps hundreds of other students across the Nation were aspiring to become like him, to carve a niche in the World map as one among the advanced country in space technology.
    We were aiming at stars hoping atleast to land on the moon, but regretfully we still remained on earth, only because we could not reach up to the intellectual capacity of Mr. U.R. RAO.
    I salute my great hero and ask almighty God to Grant him eternal rest in His Kingdom.

    Reply Report Abuse

  • bk shetty, aroor kas

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    RIP UR Rao.

    Reply Report Abuse

  • Af,,, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    U.R Rao has put a solid foundation for ISRO , he was most respected in US aswel
    rest in peace sir,

    Reply Report Abuse

  • MURUGAN, Manipal/Dubai

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    Rest In Peace Dr.U.R.Rao sir.

    Reply Report Abuse

  • Ponkratukra, Brahmanda

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    Dr. Udupi Ramachandra Rao was revolutionary who transformed telecommunications in India.He was father of INSAT satellites which made telecommunications to reach every corner of Bharat. Late Prime minister Rajiv Gandhi supported him to achieve this. During his tenure he laid foundation for making of Indian satellites, Fruits of which are reaped now.

    Reply Report Abuse

  • Arshad Kadli, Bhatkal/Alkhobar

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    Respect to the departed soul. A great son of India and pride of our coastal Karnataka.
    He deserved Bharat Ratna for his contribution to the nation.

    Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr Mohan Prabhu, LL.D, QC, Mangalore (Kankanady)/Ottawa, Canada

    Wed, Jul 26 2017

    I totally agree. There were many opportunities but the governments of the day (mainly the Congress) had their own agenda in which Dr U R Rao did not fit. RIP to you, Sir and May your contribution be appreciated in heaven.

    Reply Report Abuse

  • Krishna, Karkala

    Mon, Jul 24 2017

    India lost a great son.

    Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Bengaluru: Veteran Indian space scientist U R Rao passes away



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.