Rao, brain behind India’s space missions, dead

Bengaluru, July 24

Renowned space scientist and former ISRO Chairman UR Rao, the brain behind India’s first satellite Aryabhata and several key space programmes, died today due to age-related ailments.

The 85-year-old passed away at his residence here. “Rao breathed his last around 3 am,” said Indian Space Research Organisation Public Relations Director Deviprasad Karnik.

Obit:

Rao is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

He served as the ISRO Chairman from 1984 to 1994.

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From India’s humble space programme Aryabhata in 1975 to its missions to the Moon (Chandrayan-1) and Mars (Mangalyan), Rao was involved in all ISRO’s key programmes in one capacity or the other. He is credited with playing a pivotal role in establishing satellite technology that saw the launch of a wide array of satellites, including Bhaskara, APPLE, Rohini, INSAT-1 and INSAT-2 series.  — PTI