He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1976
Google Doodle today celebrates the 89th birthday of Indian professor and scientist Udupi Ramachandra Rao, under whose guidance, the first Indian satellite Aryabhata was launched in 1975. He helped design and launch over 18 satellites for advancing India’s communication, and meteorological services.
Scientist U.R. Rao. File Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy
He was the fourth Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during its critical formative years between 1984 and 1994. He boosted the development of rocket technology leading to the successful launch of the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and the operational Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).