BANGALORE (Karnataka) March 29 – Indian space scientist Prof U R Rao(Pic) has been inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame in Washington, US by the Society of Satellite Professionals International. Rao — whose full name is Udupi Ramachandra Rao — becomes the first Indian space scientist to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and joins a select group of 50 members, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
The 81-year-old scientist is the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and secretary of the Department of Space in India. Rao received the honour at a function attended by over 1,000 guests made up of space scientists and industry leaders on March 19 at Washington.
“Rao has contributed to the development of space technology in India and its extensive application to communications and remote sensing of natural resources,” a release from ISRO quoted a citation read out at the induction.
“More than any other single individual, Prof. Rao is responsible for the creation of India’s space and satellite capabilities and their application to the nation’s development,” it said.
BERNAMA