Udupi Ramachandra Rao

Professor Udupi Ramchandra Rao was an internationally renowned space scientist who made original contributions to the development of space technology in India and its extensive application to communications and remote sensing of natural resources.

Why is Udupi Ramchandra Rao in News?

In March 2021, Google honoured ‘India’s Satellite Man’ -Udupi Ramachandra Rao with a Doodle on his Birthday. It featured a sketch of Professor Rao with a background of the Earth and shooting stars. Google in its description wrote, “Your stellar technological advancements continue to be felt across the galaxy.”

In this article, we shall be discussing various dimensions of the success and journey of one of the greatest Indian Space Scientists. Further, with the success of ISRO missions and its various future programs to make India a space power in the coming decades, it is important from an examination point of view.

Further, this article covers other important dimensions, keeping in mind the demands of the Preliminary as well as the Main Examination of the UPSC IAS Exam.

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Achievements of Former ISRO Chief Prof U R Rao

• Born in a remote village of Karnataka in 1932, Prof Rao began his career as a cosmic-ray physicist and protégé of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a scientist widely regarded as the father of India’s space program. 
• After completing his doctorate, Prof Rao worked in the US.
• He worked as a Faculty Member at MIT and Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he carried out investigations as a prime experimenter on several Pioneer and Explorer spacecraft.
• On his return to India in 1966 as a Professor, he initiated an extensive high-energy astronomy program at the Physical Research Laboratory, India’s premier institution for space sciences.
• He was the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Physical Research Laboratory at Ahmedabad and the Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space science and Technology at Thiruvananthapuram.
• 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. From 1984 to 1994, Prof. Rao continued to propel his nation’s space program to stratospheric heights as chairman of the ISRO.

The Post 1984 Era- making Prof. Rao a Pioneer in the Field of Rocket Technology

• After taking charge as Chairman, Space Commission, and Secretary, Department of Space in 1984, Prof. Rao accelerated the development of rocket technology.
• His pioneering work resulted in the successful launch of the ASLV rocket and the operational PSLV launch vehicle.
• The PSLV can launch a 2.0 ton class of satellites into polar orbit. 
• He initiated the development of the geostationary launch vehicle GSLV and the development of cryogenic technology in 1991.

Also read: What are PSLV and GSLV?

Contribution and Achievements in Research 

• Prof Rao had published over 350 scientific and technical papers covering cosmic rays, interplanetary physics, high energy astronomy, space applications, satellite, and rocket technology and authored many books.
• He was the recipient of a D.Sc. (Hon. Causa) Degree from over 25 Universities, including the University of Bologna, the oldest University in Europe.
• He 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. 
• He became the first Indian Space Scientist to be inducted into the highly Prestigious “Satellite Hall of Fame” at Washington DC, the USA in 2013.
• He also became the first Indian Space Scientist to be inducted into the highly Prestigious “IAF Hall of Fame” at Guadalajara, Mexico in 2016.

Get Science & Technology Notes for UPSC in the linked article.

Conclusion

The passing away of Prof. Rao in 2017 marked an end of an era of distinguished service to the science and development of the nation. His extraordinary achievements and leadership have truly contributed to the growth of ISRO and further established itself as a premier space agency at the global level. Similarly, in physical science research, his contributions are second to none. The success of Aryabhata during his tenure has truly shown the light to achieve new heights in the domains of space. The patriotism and dedication to the cause of the nation displayed by the great souls shall always inspire the generations and ahead to serve the country and science.

This article is relevant for the Science and Technology, Current Affairs section of the UPSC syllabus prescribed for Preliminary and Main Examination of UPSC Civil Service.

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