Udupi Ramachandra Rao
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Udupi Ramachandra Rao (10 March 1932 – 24 July 2017) was an Indian space scientist and former chairman of the
Indian Space Research Organisation The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO ) is India's national List of government space agencies, space agency, headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It serves as the principal research and development arm of the Department of Space (DoS), ...
. He was also the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Physical Research Laboratory at
Ahmedabad Ahmedabad ( ), also spelled Amdavad (), is the most populous city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is the administrative headquarters of the Ahmedabad district and the seat of the Gujarat High Court. Ahmedabad's population of 5,570,585 ...
and
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at
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and chancellor of the Indian Institute for Space Science and Technology ( IIST) at
Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram ( ), also known as Trivandrum, is the Capital city, capital city of the Indian state of Kerala. As of 2011, the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation had a population of 957,730 over an area of 214.86 sq. km, making it the ...
. He is known as "''The Satellite Man of India''". He pioneered India's first satellite launch
Aryabhata Aryabhata ( ISO: ) or Aryabhata I (476–550 CE) was the first of the major mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy. His works include the '' Āryabhaṭīya'' (which mentions that in 3600 ' ...
in 1975. Rao was awarded the
Padma Bhushan The Padma Bhushan (IAST: ''Padma Bhūṣaṇa'', lit. 'Lotus Decoration') is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, preceded by the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan and followed by the Padma Shri. Instituted on 2 Januar ...
by the
Government of India The Government of India (ISO 15919, ISO: Bhārata Sarakāra, legally the Union Government or Union of India or the Central Government) is the national authority of the Republic of India, located in South Asia, consisting of States and union t ...
in 1976, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2017. He was inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame, Washington, on 19 March 2013 at a ceremony organised by the Society of Satellite Professionals International. With this he became the first Indian to be inducted. He was also to be inducted in International Astronautics Federation (IAF) on 15 May 2016. He was again the first Indian to achieve such a feat.


Early life

U. R. Rao was born into a Madhwa
Brahmin Brahmin (; ) is a ''Varna (Hinduism), varna'' (theoretical social classes) within Hindu society. The other three varnas are the ''Kshatriya'' (rulers and warriors), ''Vaishya'' (traders, merchants, and farmers), and ''Shudra'' (labourers). Th ...
Hindu Hindus (; ; also known as Sanātanīs) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism, also known by its endonym Sanātana Dharma. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pp. 35–37 Historically, the term has also be ...
family at
Adamaru Adamaru or Adamaar or Admar is a village in the Udupi district of the states and territories of India, state of Karnataka, India. The village houses one of the Udupi#The Ashta Mathas of Udupi, Ashta Mathas known as Adamaru Matha founded by Shri ...
in the state of
Karnataka Karnataka ( ) is a States and union territories of India, state in the southwestern region of India. It was Unification of Karnataka, formed as Mysore State on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, States Re ...
. His parents were Lakshminarayana Acharya and Krishnaveni Amma. He had his primary education at Adamaru. He completed his secondary education from Christian High School,
Udupi Udupi () also known as 'Odipu' () is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the administrative headquarters of Udupi district, and one of the fastest-growing cities in Karnataka. Udupi is one of the top tourist attractions in Karnataka an ...
. He completed his B.Sc. from Government Arts and Science College (now in
Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh (ISO 15919, ISO: , , AP) is a States and union territories of India, state on the East Coast of India, east coast of southern India. It is the List of states and union territories of India by area, seventh-largest state and th ...
), M.Sc. from
Banaras Hindu University Banaras Hindu University (BHU), formerly Benares Hindu University, is a collegiate, central, and research university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, and founded in 1916. The university incorporated the Central Hindu College, ...
and Ph.D. at Physical Research Laboratory Ahemdabad under the guidance of Vikram Sarabhai.Prof. U. R. Rao was married to Mrs. Yashoda Rao.


Education

*Ph.D. – Gujarat University, 1960 *M.Sc. –
Banaras Hindu University Banaras Hindu University (BHU), formerly Benares Hindu University, is a collegiate, central, and research university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, and founded in 1916. The university incorporated the Central Hindu College, ...
, 1954 *B.Sc. –
Madras University The University of Madras is a public university, public State university (India), state university in Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu, India. Established in 1857, it is one of the oldest and most prominent universities in India, incorporated by an ...
, 1952 After working as a post doctoral associate at
Massachusetts Institute of Technology The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a Private university, private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Established in 1861, MIT has played a significant role in the development of many areas of moder ...
(MIT) and Assistant Professor at University of Texas at Dallas where he carried out investigations as a prime experimenter on a number of Pioneer and
Explorer Exploration is the process of exploring, an activity which has some Expectation (epistemic), expectation of Discovery (observation), discovery. Organised exploration is largely a human activity, but exploratory activity is common to most organis ...
spacecraft, Rao returned to India in 1966 as a professor at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad.


Career

Rao started his career as a cosmic ray scientist and worked under Vikram Sarabhai, which he continued at MIT. In association with the
Jet Propulsion Laboratory The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a Federally funded research and development centers, federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) in La Cañada Flintridge, California, Crescenta Valley, United States. Founded in 1936 by Cali ...
group, he was the first to establish the continuous nature of the solar wind and its effect on geomagnetism using Mariner 2 observations. Rao's experiments on a number of Pioneer and Explorer spacecraft led to a complete understanding of the solar cosmic-ray phenomena and the electromagnetic state of the interplanetary space. Convinced of the imperative need to use space technology for rapid development, Rao undertook the responsibility for the establishment of satellite technology in India in 1972. Under his guidance, beginning with the first Indian satellite "
Aryabhata Aryabhata ( ISO: ) or Aryabhata I (476–550 CE) was the first of the major mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy. His works include the '' Āryabhaṭīya'' (which mentions that in 3600 ' ...
" in 1975, over 18 satellites including Bhaskara,
APPLE An apple is a round, edible fruit produced by an apple tree (''Malus'' spp.). Fruit trees of the orchard or domestic apple (''Malus domestica''), the most widely grown in the genus, are agriculture, cultivated worldwide. The tree originated ...
, Rohini, INSAT-1 and INSAT-2 series of multipurpose satellites and the IRS-1A and IRS-1B
remote sensing Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an physical object, object or phenomenon without making physical contact with the object, in contrast to in situ or on-site observation. The term is applied especially to acquiring inform ...
satellites were designed, fabricated and launched for providing communication, remote sensing, and meteorological services.


As Chairman of ISRO

After taking charge as Chairman, Space Commission and Secretary, Department of Space in 1985, Rao accelerated the development of rocket technology resulting in the successful launch of the
Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle or Advanced Satellite Launch Vehicle (also known as ASLV) was a small-lift launch vehicle five-stage solid-fuel rocket developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to place 150 kg satelli ...
(ASLV) rocket in 1992. He was also responsible for the development of the operational the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which successfully launched an 850 kg. satellite into a polar orbit in 1995. Rao initiated the development of the geostationary launch vehicle, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and the development of cryogenic technology in 1991. He was responsible for successful launch of INSAT satellites during his stint at ISRO. The launch of INSAT satellites gave a thrust to communications in India, during the 1980s and 1990s. The successful launch of INSAT provided telecommunication links to remote corners of India. During these decades fixed telephone (called as landline) expanded throughout country due to availability of satellite links at different places in the ground. People could talk easily from anywhere by use of STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing) instead of waiting for hours to get the connection. This development played a key role in future for India to develop as an Information Technology hub. He was the first Chairman of Antrix Corporation. He received the
Padma Bhushan The Padma Bhushan (IAST: ''Padma Bhūṣaṇa'', lit. 'Lotus Decoration') is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, preceded by the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan and followed by the Padma Shri. Instituted on 2 Januar ...
in 1976. He was the first Indian space scientist to be allowed into the prestigious Satellite Hall of Fame in Washington DC, USA in recent past on 19 March 2013.


Additional responsibilities

Rao was an elected Fellow of many academies such as Indian Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineers, International Academy of Astronautics and Third World Academy of Sciences. Rao was conferred Fellowship of the World Academy of Arts & Sciences. He was the General President of the Indian Science Congress Association for 1995-96. Rao was the Vice President of International Astronautical Federation (IAF) during 1984 to 1992 and continued to be the Chairman of the Committee for Liaison with Developing Countries (CLIODN) since 1986. Rao was elected as the Chairman of United Nations - Committee On Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) in June 1997 and also Chairman of UNISPACE-III Conference. He was elected as the Chairman of the 30th International Antarctic Treaty Consultative Committee Meeting at Delhi in April 2007. He was the Co-Chairman of the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa. He was the first chairman of Prasar Bharati. Rao was the Fourth President of the Governing Body of the Centre for Space Physics in 2007. While the President, he changed its name to Indian Centre for Space Physics in recognition of its national importance. Other positions held by Rao in India include: * Chairman, Karnataka Science and Technology Academy * Chairman, Bangalore Association of Science Education-JNP * Chancellor, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow * Member, Central Board of Directors, Reserve Bank of India * Additional Director, Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Ltd., Bangalore * Chairman, Governing Council of Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune


Awards

He was the recipient of various national and international awards, including: ;National Awards *1975 Karnataka Rajyotsava Award *1975 Hari Om Vikram Sarabhai Award *1975 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in the Space science & technology field *1976
Padma Bhushan The Padma Bhushan (IAST: ''Padma Bhūṣaṇa'', lit. 'Lotus Decoration') is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, preceded by the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan and followed by the Padma Shri. Instituted on 2 Januar ...
*1980 National Design Award *1980 ''Vasvik Research Award'' in the Electronic Sciences & Technology field *1983 Karnataka Rajyotsava Award *1987 PC Mahalnobis Medal *1993 ''Om Prakash Bhasin Award'' in the Energy & Aerospace field *1993 Meghnad Saha Medal *1994 P.C. Chandra Puraskar Award *1994 ''Electronics Man of the Year Award'' by ELCINA *1995 Zaheer Hussain Memorial Award *1995 Aryabhata Award *1995 Jawaharhal Nehru Award *1996 SK Mitra Birth Centenary Gold Medal *1997 Yudhvir Foundation Award *1997 Rabindranath Tagore Award of Viswa Bharati University *1999 ''Gujar Mal Modi Award'' for Science & Technology *2001 Nadoja Award from Kannada University, Hampi *2001 ''Life Time Contribution Award in Engineering'' of INAE *2002 Sir M. Visvesvaraya Memorial Award *2003 Press Bureau of India Award *2004 Star of India Award from Vishwabharathy Foundation, Hyderabad *2004 Special Award 2004, Karnataka Media Academy *2005 Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Outstanding Leadership Award *2007 Life Time Achievement Award of Indian Space Research Organisation *2007 Distinguished Scientist Gold Medal of the Karnataka Science & Technology Academy. *2007 ''Vishwamanava Award'' by Vishwamanava Samsthe *2007 A.V. Rama Rao Technology Award *2008 Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award for 2007-2008 from ISCA *2017 Padma Vibhushan ;International Awards *1973 Group Achievement Award by NASA, USA *1975 Medal of Honour by Academy of Sciences, USSR *1991 Yuri Gagarin Medal of USSR *1992 Allan D Emil Award on International Cooperation *1994 Frank J Malina Award (International Astronautical Federation) *1996 Vikram Sarabhai Medal of COSPAR *1997 Outstanding Book Award of the International Academy of Astronautics for the Book Space Technology for Sustainable Development *2000 Eduard Dolezal Award of ISPRS *2004 Space News magazine named him as one of the Top 10 International personalities who have made a substantial difference in civil, commerce and military space in the world since 1989 *2005 Theodore Von Karman Award which is the highest Award of the International Academy of Astronautics. *2013 Inducted into Satellite Hall of Fame by Society of Satellite Professionals International' *2016 Inducted into Hall of Fame by International Astronautical Federation *2017
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, ''
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''


Honours

People's President and distinguished scientist Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam had an effective association with Prof. U. R. Rao. While Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam was President, he presented the Life Time Achievement Award constituted by ISRO and Astronautical Society of India (ASI) to Prof. Rao for his outstanding contribution to the organization. D. Litt. (Hon. Causa) from Kannada University, Hampi D.Sc (Hons. Causa) from the Universities of: *1976 Mysore *1976 Rahuri *1981 Calcutta *1984 Mangalore *1992 University of Bologna (Italy) *1992 Banaras *1992 Udaipur *1993 Tirupati (SV) *1994 Hyderabad (JN) *1994 Madras (Anna University) *1994 Roorkee University *1995 Punjabi University, Patiala *1997 Shri Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur *1999 Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad *2001 D.Litt. (Hons. Causa) from Kannada University, Hampi *2002 Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut *2005 UP Technical University, Lucknow *2006 Viswesvaraiah Technical University, Belgaum *2007 Indian Institute of Technology - Delhi


Legacy

On March 10, 2021, a Google Doodle was made in honor of his 89th birthday.


Fellowships / Memberships

*Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences *Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy *Fellow of National Science Academy *Fellow of Third World Academy of Sciences *Fellow of the International Academy of Astronautics *Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering *Fellow of the Astronautical Society of India *Hon. Fellow of the Aeronautical Society *Distinguished Fellow Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers *Hon. Fellow of Indian National Cartographic Association *Fellow of Broadcasting and Engineering Society of India *Hon. Fellow Aero Medical Society of India *Distinguished Fellow of Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad *Fellow of World Academy of Arts & Sciences, USA. * Fellow of International Aeronautical Federation (IAF) proposed.


Professional Activities in International Arena

*1986-1992 Vice President, International Astronautical Federation *1988 to ???? President, Committee for Liaison with Developing Nations (CLODIN) of IAF *1997-2000 Chairman, UN-COPUOS (United Nations - Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) *1999 President, UNISPACE-III Conference *2007 Chairman, 30th International Antarctic Treaty Consultative Committee Meeting Other roles * President of UNISPACE III Conference, Vienna, in 1979 * Led Indian Delegation in COPUOS and S&T Sub Committee of COPUOS from 1980 to 1994, UNISPACE-II in 1982 and President UNISPACE-III in 2000. * Chairman of the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (1996–1999)


Books authored

*U. R. Rao, K. Kasturirangan, K. R. Sridhara Murthi. and Surendra Pal (Editors), "Perspectives in Communications", World Scientific (1987). *U. R. Rao, "Space and Agenda 21 - Caring for Planet Earth", Prism Books Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (1995). *U. R. Rao, "Space Technology for Sustainable Development", Tata McGraw-Hill Pub., New Delhi (1996)


References


External links


Interview with Astrotalkuk.org "ISRO the Early Years" August 2013

Prof. Udupi Ramachandra Rao (1984-1994)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rao, U.R. 1932 births 2017 deaths 20th-century Indian physicists Space programme of India University of Madras alumni Indian Space Research Organisation people People from Udupi district Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in science & engineering Mangaloreans Indian space scientists Tulu scientists Scientists from Karnataka Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in science & engineering Fellows of the Indian National Academy of Engineering Fellows of the Indian Academy of Sciences Fellows of the Indian National Science Academy Fellows of the National Academy of Sciences, India TWAS fellows Recipients of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in Engineering Science Tulu people