If you live in India and are trying to do some search on Google right now, then you must be seeing a cute Google-doodle. This doodle is dedicated to Indian scientist Professor Udupi Ramchandra Rao.
Today is the 89th birthday of Professor Rao.
Due to giving a new direction to India’s satellite program, Dr. UR Rao is also known as ‘Satellite Man of India’.
It was under his leadership that India successfully launched its first satellite ‘Aryabhata’ in space in the year 1975.
Professor U. R. Rao. Professor Udupi Ramachandra Rao passed away this morning on 24 July 2017 at the age of 85. Pro. you are. Rao was an internationally renowned space scientist. He was the former chairman of ISRO and a noted astronomer. He was also associated with the Physics Research Laboratory for a long time. He contributed to many national institutions including the Department of Space, Government of India.
Professor UR Rao started his career as a cosmic ray scientist, but from 1972 he joined the satellite program of India. Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, was made in 1975 under the leadership of Professor UR Rao and also achieved success in reaching space. Apart from this, 18 more satellites were created under Professor Rao, including satellites like Bhaskar, Apple, Rohini, INSAT-1, INSAT-2.
Professor Rao took charge of the Department of Space in the year 1985 and under his leadership developed the country’s own rocket technology. India tested its first rocket ASLV in 1992 and later built PSLV. After this, by making GSLV, India got its technology ironed all over the world and also sent satellites of other countries to space.
Professor Rao received D.Sc from more than 21 universities. (Honorary doctorate), including the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna. He was awarded several national and international honors including Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, Vikram Sarabhai Award, Jawahar Lal Nehru Award, Light Time Achievement Award by INSA and ISRO, PC Mahalobanis Award, Yuri Gagarin Award, Meghnad Saha Gold Medal. He was also awarded the second highest civilian award ‘Padma Vibhushan’ by the Government of India this year.