Udupi Ramachandra Rao (1932-2017) was an Indian space scientist and pioneer in the field of space technology and satellite development. He was born on March 10, 1932, in a village called Adamaru in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India.
Rao was educated in India and the United States, earning his Bachelor's degree from Madras University, Master's degree from Banaras Hindu University, and a Ph.D. from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India. He also pursued further studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
Dr. U.R. Rao played a significant role in shaping India's space program and is often referred to as the "Father of the Indian Satellite Program." He was one of the founding fathers of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and served as its Chairman from 1984 to 1994.
Under his leadership, ISRO achieved several milestones, including the successful launch of India's first satellite "Aryabhata" in 1975 and the operationalization of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). He also played a vital role in the development of satellite technology for communication, remote sensing, and weather forecasting in India.
During his career, Rao held various prestigious positions and contributed to various international space organizations. He was elected as the President of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) from 1993 to 1995.
Apart from his administrative and organizational contributions, Dr. U.R. Rao was actively involved in research and authored numerous scientific papers and books on space and satellite technology. His dedication and leadership in the field of space science earned him numerous awards and honors, including India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan.
U.R. Rao's vision and efforts have significantly contributed to India's achievements in space exploration and technology, and his legacy continues to inspire the country's space endeavors. He passed away on July 24, 2017, in Bengaluru, India.
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