BENGALURU: He was a man, who was always on a mission. From India’s first satellite Aryabhata to the proposed Aditya mission to study Sun, Udupi Ramachandra Rao guided several projects at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The space stalwart, who was an epitome of hard work and dedication, was the visionary who powered India’s space dreams.
During the early hours of Monday morning, the renowned scientist and former ISRO chief breathed his last in the city due to age-related ailments. He was 85 years old. His colleagues and juniors remember him as a man with an incredible ability to come up with innovative solutions to any problem.Speaking to Express, P S Goel, Dr Raja Ramanna Chair Professor at National Institute of Advanced Studies and former director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), recalled his association with Rao from the early 1970s, when scientists at ISRO had huddled together to launch the first satellite.
“Along with Rao, I was among the few who was part of the Indian Scientific Satellite Project, which was set up in 1972. Since then, Rao has single-handedly changed the face of the organisation and helped it become one of the premier space research organisations,” he said.Another important quality, Goel noted, was his ability to create leaders. “Due to his work ethic, he was idolised by many and helped create a maximum number of leaders within the organisation,” he added.
Scientists owe a lot to Rao
Dr K Kasturirangan, who is among the top scientists in the country, felt that he owed a lot to Rao. “Whatever I am today, it is because of him,” he said, adding that Rao’s work alone spoke volumes.
B K Venkataram, Dr Satish Dhawan Scientist at ISRO, said that Rao was a pioneer, who took ISRO from the initial centre of learning to the acclaimed international space agency today.
“During the 1970s, there were a lot of initial strategic and technical problems related to both satellites and launch vehicles. However, Rao was brave enough to face failures and take space community forward,” he said.
When the scientists at ISRO were left disappointed after the failures of Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle and when observations of INSAT-1A and INSAT-1B were not satisfactory, it was Rao who stepped in to resolve the issues, he added.S V Sharma, Deputy Director (SPA), ISRO Satellite Centre, said the most important lesson he learned from the space stalwart was to be dedicated, hardworking and not to expect anything from anyone.
One man, many achievements Rao served as a faculty member at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Texas
In 1972, he pioneered the satellite technology in India
In 1975, the first Indian satellite ‘Aryabhata’ was launched
Awarded Padma
Bhushan in 1976
In 1991, he initiated works for developing Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle and cryogenic technology
He served as ISRO chairman from 1984 to 1994.
18 satellites designed and launched for various purposes under his guidance. Rao provided advice for Chandrayan-I, Chandrayan-II, Mars Mission and yet to be launched Aditya project
Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle were successfully launched under his guidance
He was the first Indian space scientist to be inducted into the prestigious ‘Satellite Hall of Fame’ in Washington DC, USA on March 19, 2013
First to be inducted into the prestigious International Aeronautical Federation Hall of Fame at Guadalajara, Mexico in 2016
Awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2017
Published over 350 scientific and technical papers on cosmic rays, interplanetary physics and other subjects
Family members, colleagues offer last respects
Rao’s body was cremated at Hebbal crematorium, after family members and colleagues paid their respects at his residence in Indiranagar and ISRO Satellite Centre in the city on Monday. Rao was serving as the Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chairman of the Governing Council of Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad. He was born on March 10, 1935 in Udupi and was the recipient of Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and several awards. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said his death was an irreparable loss for scientific community.