Noted scientist and former ISRO chairperson Udupi Ramachandra Rao breathed his last on Monday in Bengaluru.
Rao, who was 85, passed away after a prolonged illness due to age-related health issues.
Condolences have been pouring in for the family from far and wide with many stating that his contribution to India's space research programme will never be forgotten.
Saddened by demise of renowned scientist, Professor UR Rao. His remarkable contribution to India's space programme will never be forgotten.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2017
My deepest condolences on the sad demise of Professor UR Rao. His contribution to India's space research programme was remarkable.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 24, 2017
Rest in Space, Prof. UR Rao! @sifydotcom cartoon #urrao pic.twitter.com/bjOZc7dSYI
— Satish Acharya (@satishacharya) July 24, 2017
Professor UR Rao was one of the pioneers who made immense contributions to the Indian Space Program. Sad to learn he passed away today. pic.twitter.com/ZaNDZ301XM
— Dr. Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) July 24, 2017
Professor UR Rao led India's space research programme to unprecedented heights. His contribution was remarkable. I'm saddened by his demise.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 24, 2017
From the launch of Aryabhatta to the MOM, Prof UR Rao's contributions have taken @isro to unparalleled heights. V sad to learn of his demise https://t.co/61BWKQIaHg
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) July 24, 2017
Dr UR Rao, former Chairman @isro, Ist Indian in the Satellite Hall of Fame & in International Astranautics Fed/n, is no more. Condolences.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) July 24, 2017
Deeply saddened to hear about Padma Vibhushan Prof. UR Rao's demise. My condolences to his family and friends.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) July 24, 2017
Former ISRO chief UR Rao (Udupi Ramachandra Rao), Padma Vibhushan, has passed away. While growing up, he was the hero who helped us dream...
— Venkatesh Prasanna (@hmvprasanna) July 24, 2017
Very sad news. UR Rao was such a wonderful man - He will be eternally remembered as a stalwart of ISRO RIP https://t.co/iHTBz8pJT9
— Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (@kiranshaw) July 24, 2017
UR Rao was associated with the launch of India’s first satellite Aryabhatta. According to ISRO, "Convinced of the imperative need to use space technology for rapid development, Prof Rao undertook the responsibility for the establishment of satellite technology in India in 1972. Under his guidance, beginning with the first Indian satellite 'Aryabhata' in 1975, over 18 satellites were designed and launched for providing communication, remote sensing and meteorological services."
During his tenure in ISRO, many successful PSLV missions were launched, but more importantly it was UR Rao and his colleagues who drove ISRO to initiate the GSLV vehicle. "After taking charge as Chairman, Space Commission and Secretary, Department of Space in 1984, Prof Rao accelerated the development of rocket technology, resulting in the successful launch of ASLV rocket and the operational PSLV launch vehicle, which can launch 2.0 ton class of satellites into polar orbit. Prof Rao initiated the development of the geostationary launch vehicle (GSLV) and the development of cryogenic technology in 1991," ISRO's website states.
Also read: Udupi Ramachandra Rao, eminent space scientist and former ISRO chairman, dies at 85