Veteran Indian space scientist U.R. Rao dead at 85

Bengaluru :Veteran Indian space scientist U.R. Rao passed away here on Monday, an ISRO official confirmed. He was 85.

"Rao passed away at his residence in the city's eastern suburb at around 3 a.m., after prolonged illness and due to age-related health issues," the Indian Space Research Organisation official told media.

Reacting on Rao's death news, Indian PM Modi wrote “Saddened by demise of renowned scientist, Professor UR Rao. His remarkable contribution to India’s space programme will never be forgotten,”

Condoling Prof. U R Rao's death , State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa wrote on wtitter,“One of the finest space scientist of the county,with the passing away of Sh.U.R.Rao has made the scientific world poorer. My condolences.”

Echoing similar sentiments Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raj said Professor Rao’s contribution will never be forgotten. “Saddened by the demise of Prof. U R Rao. He shall be remembered for his rich contribution to @isro. My heartfelt condolences to the family,” Raje wrote on Twitter.

Rao was the ISRO chairman for a decade from 1984 to 1994. As ISRO Chairman, Professor Rao had accelerated the development of rocket technology which led to the launch of ASLV rocket and the operational PSLV launch vehicle, according to ISRO’s profile. He was also responsible for initiating the development of Geo Stationary Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the development of cryogenic technology in 1991.

Prof Rao was awarded 'Padma Bhushan' by the Government of India in 1976, which is the third highest Civilian Award and ‘Padma Vibhushan’ in 2017 which is the second highest Civilian Award. Prof. U.R. Rao became the first Indian Space Scientist to be inducted into the highly Prestigious “Satellite Hall of Fame” at Washington DC, USA on March 19, 2013. Prof. U.R. Rao became the first Indian Space Scientist to be inducted into the highly Prestigious “IAF Hall of Fame” at Guadalajara, Mexico.