103.147.137.82: Missile man of India and launch of Aryabhatta

2021-08-21T04:09:09Z

Missile man of India and launch of Aryabhatta

New page

{{short description|Indian space scientist (1932–2017)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox scientist
|name =
|image = U R Rao (cropped).jpg
|caption = Rao circa 2008
|birth_date = {{birth date|1932|03|10|df=y}}
|birth_place = [[Adamaru]], [[South Canara]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]] (present-day [[Udupi district]], [[Karnataka]], India)
|death_date = {{death date and age|2017|07|24|1932|03|10|df=y}}
|death_place = [[Bengaluru]], India
|alma_mater = {{Plainlist|
* [[Madras University]] ([[BSc]])
* [[Banaras Hindu University]] ([[MSc]])
* [[Gujarat University]] ([[PhD]]) }}
|doctoral_advisor = [[Vikram Sarabhai]]
|doctoral_students =
|known_for = [[Indian Space Program]]
|footnotes =
|field = [[Space science]] and Satellite Technology
|work_institution = [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] [[Physical Research Laboratory]] [[Nehru Planetarium|Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru]]
|prizes = {{plainlist|
*[[Padma Bhushan]] (1976)
*[[Padma Vibhushan]] (2017)
}}
|spouse = Yashoda Rao
}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| title = [[Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation|Chairman]], [[Indian Space Research Organisation]]
| term_start = 1984
| term_end = 1994
| predecessor = [[Satish Dhawan]]
| successor = [[Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan]]
}}
'''Udupi Ramachandra Rao''' (10 March 1932 – 24 July 2017) was an Indian [[Space science|space scientist]] and chairman of the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/17/stories/2002031703000400.htm|title=The Hindu : DD to improve quality of programmes|website=www.hinduonnet.com|access-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820050036/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/17/stories/2002031703000400.htm|archive-date=20 August 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was also the Chairman of the Governing Council of the [[Physical Research Laboratory]] at [[Ahmedabad]] and [[Nehru Planetarium]] at [[Bengaluru]] and chancellor of the Indian Institute for Space Science and Technology ([[Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology|IIST]]) at [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/indian-space-pioneer-udupi-ramachandra-rao-passes-away/article19340621.ece|title=Indian space pioneer Udupi Ramachandra Rao passes away|journal=The Hindu|access-date=16 August 2017|date=2017-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724045124/http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/indian-space-pioneer-udupi-ramachandra-rao-passes-away/article19340621.ece|archive-date=24 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He is known as "The Missile Man of India." He pioneered India's first satellite launch "Aryabhatta" in 1975.

Rao was awarded the [[Padma Bhushan]] by the Government of India in 1976, and [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/List-of-Padma-awardees-2017/article17092476.ece|access-date=11 October 2017|title=List of Padma awardees 2017|journal=The Hindu|date=2017-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127173435/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/List-of-Padma-awardees-2017/article17092476.ece|archive-date=27 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He was inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame, Washington, on 19 March 2013 at a ceremony organised by the [[Society of Satellite Professionals International]]. With this he became the first Indian to be inducted.<ref name="SHF-The Hindu">{{Cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/ur-rao-inducted-into-satellite-hall-of-fame/article4560537.ece | title=U.R. Rao inducted into Satellite Hall of Fame | journal=The Hindu | date=29 March 2013 | access-date=3 April 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401231824/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/ur-rao-inducted-into-satellite-hall-of-fame/article4560537.ece | archive-date=1 April 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SHF-SSPI" /> He was also to be inducted in International Astronautics Federation (IAF) on 15 May 2016. He was also the first Indian again to achieve such a feat.<ref name="SHF-ISRO" />

He is also known as the "satellite man of India"

== Early life ==
U. R. Rao was born into a Hindu [[Brahmin]] family at [[Adamaru]] in the state of [[Karnataka]]. His parents were Lakshminarayana Acharya and Krishnaveni Amma. He had his primary education at Adamaru. He completed his secondary education from Christian High School, Udupi. He completed his B.Sc. in Government Arts and Science College, Anantpur, M.Sc. from Banaras Hindu University and Ph.D. at Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad under the guidance of [[Vikram Sarabhai]].<ref name=":0">Prof. U. R. Rao was married to Mrs. Yashoda Rao.
{{cite web|url=http://www.karnataka.com/personalities/ur-rao/|publisher=karnataka.com|title=India's Pioneer Space Scientist – Professor Udupi Ramachandra Rao|date=2011-11-17|access-date=2013-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402014422/http://www.karnataka.com/personalities/ur-rao/|archive-date=2 April 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Education==

*Ph.D. – [[Gujarat University]], 1960
*M.Sc. – [[Banaras Hindu University]], 1954
*B.Sc. – [[Madras University]], 1952<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.isro.org/Ourchairman/former/urrao_biodata.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816101622/http://www.isro.org/Ourchairman/former/urrao_biodata.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-08-16|publisher=ISRO|title=Prof. Udupi Ramachandra Rao - Biodata|access-date=2013-02-25}}</ref>

After working as a faculty member at [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]] and Assistant Professor at [[University of Texas at Dallas]] where he carried out investigations as a prime experimenter on a number of [[Pioneer program|Pioneer]] and [[Explorer program|Explorer]] spacecraft,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/prof-udupi-ramachandra-rao-1984-1994|title=Prof. Udupi Ramachandra Rao (1984-1994) - ISRO|website=Department of Space, Indian Space Research Organisation (www.isro.gov.in)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308042939/https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/prof-udupi-ramachandra-rao-1984-1994|archive-date=8 March 2018|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> Rao returned to India in 1966 as a professor at the '''Physical Research Laboratory''', Ahmedabad.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />

== Career ==
Rao started his career as a cosmic ray scientist and worked under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, which he continued at MIT. In association with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory group, he was the first to establish the continuous nature of the solar wind and its effect on geomagnetism using Mariner 2 observations. Rao's experiments on a number of Pioneer and Explorer spacecraft led to a complete understanding of the solar cosmic-ray phenomena and the electromagnetic state of the interplanetary space. Convinced of the imperative need to use space technology for rapid development, Rao undertook the responsibility for the establishment of satellite technology in India in 1972.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://insaindia.org/detail.php?id=N79-0649|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624234527/http://insaindia.org/detail.php?id=N79-0649|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 June 2013|title=Indian Fellow|publisher=Indian National Science Academy|access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> Under his guidance, beginning with the first Indian satellite "Aryabhata" in 1975, over 18 satellites including Bhaskara, APPLE, Rohini, INSAT-1 and INSAT-2 series of multipurpose satellites and the [[IRS-1A]] and [[IRS-1B]] remote sensing satellites were designed, fabricated and launched for providing communication, remote sensing, and meteorological services.

== As Chairman of ISRO ==

After taking charge as Chairman, Space Commission and Secretary, Department of Space in 1985, Rao accelerated the development of rocket technology <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.isro.org/Ourchairman/former/urrao_introduction.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-01-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107011924/http://www.isro.org/Ourchairman/former/urrao_introduction.aspx |archive-date=7 January 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> resulting in the successful launch of ASLV rocket in 1992. He was also responsible for the development of the operational PSLV launch vehicle, which successfully launched an 850 kg. satellite into a polar orbit in 1995. Rao initiated the development of the geostationary launch vehicle GSLV and the development of cryogenic technology in 1991. He was responsible for successful launch of [[INSAT]] satellites during his stint at ISRO. The launch of INSAT satellites gave a thrust to communications in India, during the 1980s and 1990s. The successful launch of INSAT provided telecommunication links to remote corners of India. During these decades fixed telephone (called as landline) expanded throughout country due to availability of satellite links at different places in the ground. People could talk easily from anywhere by use of STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing) instead of waiting for hours to get the connection.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}} This development played a key role in future for India to develop as an Information Technology hub. He was the first Chairman of Antrix Corporation.
He received the Padma Bhushan in 1976.
He was the first Indian Space Scientist to be allowed into the Prestigious “Satellite Hall of Fame” at Washington DC, USA in recent past on March 19, 2013.

== Additional responsibilities ==

Rao was an elected Fellow of many academies such as Indian Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineers, International Academy of Astronautics and Third World Academy of Sciences. Rao was conferred Fellowship of the World Academy of Arts & Sciences. He was the General President of the Indian Science Congress Association for 1995-96. Rao was the Vice President of International Astronautical Federation (IAF) during 1984 to 1992 and continues to be the Chairman of the Committee for Liaison with Developing Countries (CLIODN) since 1986. Rao was elected as the Chairman of United Nations - Committee On Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) in June 1997 and also Chairman of UNISPACE-III Conference. He was elected as the Chairman of the 30th International Antarctic Treaty Consultative Committee Meeting at Delhi in April 2007.

He was the Co-Chairman of the [[National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research]], Goa.<ref>{{cite news|title=Morale of space scientists hit, says U.R. Rao|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2840230.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 January 2012|location=Bangalore, India|access-date=21 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718172041/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2840230.ece|archive-date=18 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> He was the first chairman of [[Prasar Bharati]].<ref name="Times">{{cite news|title=Space scientist gets Media Academy award|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-11-27/bangalore/27170163_1_award-media-academy-kannada-prabha|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624234516/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-11-27/bangalore/27170163_1_award-media-academy-kannada-prabha|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 June 2013|date=27 November 2004|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Bangalore, India}}</ref> Rao was the Fourth President of the Governing Body of the Centre for Space Physics in 2007. While the President, he changed its name to Indian Centre for Space Physics in recognition to its National importance.<ref>https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/prof-udupi-ramachandra-rao-1984-1994</ref>

Other positions held by Rao in India include :

* Chairman, [[Karnataka Science and Technology Academy]]
* Chairman, Bangalore Association of Science Education-JNP
* Chancellor, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow
* Member, Central Board of Directors, Reserve Bank of India
* Additional Director, Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Ltd., Bangalore
* Chairman, Governing Council of Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune

== Awards ==
He was the recipient of many national and international awards, such as :<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.isro.org/Ourchairman/former/urrao_awardshonours.aspx|publisher=ISRO|title=Prof. Udupi Ramachandra Rao - Awards Honours|access-date=2013-02-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211025003/http://www.isro.org/Ourchairman/Former/urrao_awardshonours.aspx|archive-date=11 February 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gbpihed.nic.in/MemorialLecture/4-Lecture.pdf|title=PANDIT GOVIND BALLABH PANT MEMORIAL LECTURE - IV|publisher=Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development|access-date=21 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530032850/http://gbpihed.nic.in/MemorialLecture/4-Lecture.pdf|archive-date=30 May 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

;National Awards
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*1975 Karnataka Rajyotsava Award
*1975 Hari Om Vikram Sarabhai Award
*1975 ''Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award'' in the Space science & technology field<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csirhrdg.res.in/ssb.pdf|title=Handbook of SHANTI SWARUP BHATNAGAR Prize winners(1958 - 1998)|date=1999|publisher=HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT GROUP - COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH|access-date=21 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043957/http://www.csirhrdg.res.in/ssb.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*1976 [[Padma Bhushan]]<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web | url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | title=Padma Awards | publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India | date=2015 | access-date=21 July 2015 | archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6U68ulwpb?url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | archive-date=15 November 2014 | url-status=live }}</ref>
*1980 National Design Award
*1980 ''Vasvik Research Award'' in the Electronic Sciences & Technology field<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vasvik.org/Electronic_Sciences_&_Technology.html|title=Award winners - Electronic Sciences & Technology|publisher=Vasvik Foundation|access-date=24 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329035035/http://www.vasvik.org/Electronic_Sciences_%26_Technology.html|archive-date=29 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
*1983 Karnataka Rajyotsava Award
*1987 PC Mahalnobis Medal
*1993 ''Om Prakash Bhasin Award'' in the Energy & Aerospace field<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opbfawards.com/engineering.html|title=SHRI OM PRAKASH BHASIN AWARDS|publisher=Om Prakash Bhasin Foundation|access-date=24 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304133636/http://www.opbfawards.com/engineering.html|archive-date=4 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
*1993 Meghnad Saha Medal
*1994 P.C. Chandra Puraskar Award
*1994 ''Electronics Man of the Year Award'' by ELCINA<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elcina.com/activities_awards_Past.asp|title=Past Award Winners|publisher=Electronic Industries Association of India|access-date=21 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831072338/http://www.elcina.com/activities_awards_Past.asp|archive-date=31 August 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*1995 Zaheer Hussain Memorial Award
*1995 Aryabhata Award
*1995 Jawaharhal Nehru Award
*1996 SK Mitra Birth Centenary Gold Medal
*1997 Yudhvir Foundation Award<ref>{{cite news|title=Narendra Rai bags Yudhvir award|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2004/04/28/stories/2004042801541900.htm|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 April 2004|location=Hyderabad, India|access-date=24 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114170457/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2004/04/28/stories/2004042801541900.htm|archive-date=14 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
*1997 Rabindranath Tagore Award of Viswa Bharati University
*1999 ''Gujar Mal Modi Award'' for Science & Technology<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iifaindia.org/award_gmma.html|title=Gujar Mal Modi Award for Science & Technology|publisher=International Institute of Fine Arts|access-date=24 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130711042428/http://www.iifaindia.org/award_gmma.html|archive-date=11 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
*2001 Nadoja Award from Kannada University, Hampi
*2001 ''Life Time Contribution Award in Engineering'' of INAE<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inae.in/life_time.html|title=LIFE TIME CONTRIBUTION AWARD IN ENGINEERING|publisher=Indian National Academy of Engineering|access-date=21 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128191146/http://www.inae.in/life_time.html|archive-date=28 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*2002 Sir M. Visvesvaraya Memorial Award
*2003 Press Bureau of India Award
*2004 Star of India Award from Vishwabharathy Foundation, Hyderabad
*2004 Special Award 2004, Karnataka Media Academy<ref name="Times"/>
*2005 Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Outstanding Leadership Award<ref>{{cite news|title=Scientists exhorted to have social sensitivity|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/24/stories/2005092405820500.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624234515/http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/24/stories/2005092405820500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 June 2013|date=24 September 2005|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Tirupati, India}}</ref>
*2007 Life Time Achievement Award of Indian Space Research Organisation
*2007 Distinguished Scientist Gold Medal of the Karnataka Science & Technology Academy.
*2007 ''Vishwamanava Award'' by Vishwamanava Samsthe<ref>{{cite news|title=Award for U R Rao|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Dec252007/state2007122543066.asp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624234517/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Dec252007/state2007122543066.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 June 2013|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=25 December 2007|location=Bangalore, India}}</ref>
*2007 A.V. Rama Rao Technology Award<ref>{{cite news|title=Award for U.R. Rao|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/17/stories/2008041758330500.htm|date=17 April 2008|location=Bangalore, India|access-date=24 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716140101/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/17/stories/2008041758330500.htm|archive-date=16 July 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*2008 Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award for 2007-2008 from ISCA
*2017 [[Padma Vibhushan]]<ref name="Padma Awards"/>{{div col end}}

;International Awards
*1973 Group Achievement Award by NASA, USA
*1975 Medal of Honour by Academy of Sciences, USSR
*1991 [[Yuri Gagarin Medal]] of USSR<ref name="un">{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/events/unispace3/infmedia/19raonote.htm|title=PROFESSOR U.R.RAO IS TO PRESIDE OVER THE PLENARY SESSIONS OF UNISPACE III|publisher=UNISPACE III - United Nations|access-date=21 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111055911/http://www.un.org/events/unispace3/infmedia/19raonote.htm|archive-date=11 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
*1992 Allan D Emil Award on International Cooperation
*1994 Frank J Malina Award (International Astronautical Federation)<ref name="un"/>
*1996 Vikram Sarabhai Medal of COSPAR<ref name="un"/>
*1997 Outstanding Book Award of the International Academy of Astronautics for the Book Space Technology for Sustainable Development
*2000 Eduard Dolezal Award of ISPRS
*2004 Space News magazine named him as one of the Top 10 International personalities who have made a substantial difference in civil, commerce and military space in the world since 1989<ref>{{cite news|title=U.R. Rao among 'top 10 personalities'|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/01/stories/2004090105981200.htm|date=1 September 2004|location=Chennai, India|access-date=21 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041215185229/http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/01/stories/2004090105981200.htm|archive-date=15 December 2004|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*2005 Theodore Von Karman Award which is the highest Award of the International Academy of Astronautics.
*2013 Inducted into Satellite Hall of Fame by [[Society of Satellite Professionals International]]' <ref name="SHF-The Hindu" /><ref name="SHF-SSPI">{{cite web | url=http://www.sspi.org/news/115898/SSPI-Announces-the-2013-Satellite-Hall-of-Fame-Inductees.htm | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415233329/http://www.sspi.org/news/115898/SSPI-Announces-the-2013-Satellite-Hall-of-Fame-Inductees.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2013-04-15 | title=SSPI Announces the 2013 Satellite Hall of Fame Inductees | publisher=Society of Satellite Professionals International | access-date=2013-02-25 }}</ref><ref name="SHF-ISRO">{{cite press release | url=http://www.isro.org/pressrelease/scripts/pressreleasein.aspx?Mar28_2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420070810/http://isro.org/pressrelease/scripts/pressreleasein.aspx?Mar28_2013 | url-status=dead | archive-date=20 April 2013 | title=Prof U R Rao inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame, Washington | publisher=isro.org | date=28 March 2013 | access-date=3 April 2013 }}</ref>
*2016 Inducted into Hall of Fame by International Astronautical Federation.

== Honours ==
People's President and distinguished scientist Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam had an effective association with Prof. U. R. Rao. While Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam was President, he presented the Life Time Achievement Award constituted by ISRO and Astronautical Society of India (ASI) to Prof. Rao for his outstanding contribution to the organization.
{{unreferenced section|date=March 2021}}
D. Litt. (Hon. Causa) from Kannada University, Hampi

D.Sc (Hons. Causa) from the Universities of:

*1976 Mysore
*1976 Rahuri
*1981 Calcutta
*1984 Mangalore
*1992 University of Bologna (Italy)
*1992 Banaras
*1992 Udaipur
*1993 Tirupati (SV)
*1994 Hyderabad (JN)
*1994 Madras (Anna University)
*1994 Roorkee University
*1995 Punjabi University, Patiala
*1997 Shri Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur
*1999 Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad
*2001 D.Litt. (Hons. Causa) from Kannada University, Hampi
*2002 Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut
*2005 UP Technical University, Lucknow
*2006 Viswesvaraiah Technical University, Belgaum
*2007 Indian Institute of Technology - Delhi

==Legacy==
On March 10, 2021, a [[Google Doodle]] was made in honor of his 89th birthday.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/doodles/prof-udupi-ramachandra-raos-89th-birthday |title=Prof. Udupi Ramachandra Rao's 89th Birthday |website=Google |date=10 March 2021 }}</ref>

==Fellowships / Memberships==
*Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences
*Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy
*Fellow of National Science Academy
*Fellow of Third World Academy of Sciences
*Fellow of the International Academy of Astronautics
*Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering
*Fellow of the Astronautical Society of India
*Hon. Fellow of the Aeronautical Society
*Distinguished Fellow Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers
*Hon. Fellow of Indian National Cartographic Association
*Fellow of Broadcasting and Engineering Society of India
*Hon. Fellow Aero Medical Society of India
*Distinguished Fellow of Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
*Fellow of World Academy of Arts & Sciences, USA.
* Fellow of International Aeronautical Federation (IAF) proposed.

==Professional Activities in International Arena==
*1986-1992 Vice President, International Astronautical Federation
*1988 to date President, Committee for Liaison with Developing Nations (CLODIN) of IAF
*1997-2000 Chairman, UN-COPUOS (United Nations - Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space)
*1999 President, UNISPACE-III Conference
*2007 Chairman, 30th International Antarctic Treaty Consultative Committee Meeting

'''Other roles'''

* President of UNISPACE III Conference, Vienna, in 1979
* Led Indian Delegation in COPUOS and S&T Sub Committee of COPUOS from 1980 to 1994, UNISPACE-II in 1982 and President UNISPACE-III in 2000.
* Chairman of the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (1996–1999)

==Books authored==
*U. R. Rao, K. Kasturirangan, K. R. Sridhara Murthi. and Surendra Pal (Editors), "Perspectives in Communications", World Scientific (1987). {{ISBN|978-9971-978-76-1}}
*U. R. Rao, "Space and Agenda 21 - Caring for Planet Earth", Prism Books Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (1995).
*U. R. Rao, "Space Technology for Sustainable Development", Tata McGraw-Hill Pub., New Delhi (1996)

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://astrotalkuk.org/2013/12/05/isro-the-early-years/ Interview with Astrotalkuk.org "ISRO the Early Years" August 2013]
* [http://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/prof-udupi-ramachandra-rao-1984-1994 Prof. Udupi Ramachandra Rao (1984-1994)]
{{s-start}}
{{s-gov}}
{{succession box|title=[[Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization|ISRO Chairman]]|before=[[Satish Dhawan]]|after=[[Krishnaswami Kasturirangan|K Kasturirangan]]|years=1984 - 1994}}
{{end}}

{{Indian space programme}}
{{SSBPST recipients in Engineering Science}}
{{Padma Vibhushan Awards}}
{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 1970–79}}
{{Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Laureates of Karnataka}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rao, U.R.}}
[[Category:1932 births]]
[[Category:2017 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian physicists]]
[[Category:Space programme of India]]
[[Category:University of Madras alumni]]
[[Category:Indian Space Research Organisation people]]
[[Category:People from Udupi district]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in science & engineering]]
[[Category:Mangaloreans]]
[[Category:Indian space scientists]]
[[Category:Tulu people]]
[[Category:Scientists from Karnataka]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in science & engineering]]
[[Category:Fellows of the Indian National Academy of Engineering]]
[[Category:Fellows of the Indian Academy of Sciences]]
[[Category:Fellows of the Indian National Science Academy]]
[[Category:Fellows of The National Academy of Sciences, India]]
[[Category:TWAS fellows]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in Engineering Science]]

Udupi Ramachandra Rao - Revision history

103.147.137.82: Missile man of India and launch of Aryabhatta