Bangalore: Distinguished space scientist and former ISRO chairman U R Rao will be inducted into the ‘Satellite Hall of Fame’ in Washington on March 19 in recognition of his contribution to space technology.
“The Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) will induct Rao as a member of the prestigious ‘Satellite Hall of Fame’ in Washington for his invaluable contribution in space technology,” the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation said.
Since 1987, the SSPI Hall of Fame has been recognising the immense contribution of visionaries transforming life on planet earth for the better through satellite technology.
The 80-year-old Rao, who hails from Bangalore, is currently chairman of the governing council of the space agency’s Physical Research Laboratory at Ahmedabad. As ISRO chairman for a decade from 1984-94, Rao accelerated the development of rocket technology, resulting in the launch of augmented satellite launch vehicle and the operational polar satellite launch vehicle that put two-tonne class of satellites into polar orbit.
He also initiated the development of the geostationary launch vehicle and the development of cryogenic technology in the early 1990s. Under Rao’s supervision, beginning with the first Indian satellite ‘Aryabhata’ in 1975, around 18 satellites were designed and launched for providing communication, remote sensing and meteorological services.
Rao has published over 350 scientific and technical papers covering cosmic rays, interplanetary physics, high energy astronomy, space applications and satellite and rocket technology. IANS
