Former ISRO chairman U R Rao passes away

Eminent space scientist and former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman U.R. Rao passed away in Bengaluru in the early hours today due to age related ailments. He was 85. Prof. Rao is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. He served as the Chairman of ISRO for ten years from 1984-1994. 

Rao was awarded the Padma Bhusan in 1976 and Padma Vibhushan in 2017 for his contribution to Indian Space technology. Born in Adamaru area of Karnataka's Udupi district, the scientist was involved in all ISRO missions till date in one capacity or the other. He is credited for contributions to



the development of space technology in India and its extensive application to communications and remote sensing of natural resources. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the death of Professor Rao. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, his remarkable contribution to India's space programme will never be forgotten. 

Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation D.V.Sadananda Gowda has also condoled the demise of Prof. Rao. In a tweet message, he said, it is unbearable loss to the science world.