Udupi Ramachandra Rao, popularly known as U. R. Rao is a space scientist

Space science

The term space science may mean:* The study of issues specifically related to space travel and space exploration, including space medicine.* Science performed in outer space ....

 and former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation

Indian Space Research Organisation

The Indian Space Research Organisation is an independent Indian governmental agency established in 1969 for the research and development of vehicles and activities for the exploration of space within and outside of Earth’s atmosphere. Headquartered in Bangalore...

. Presently he is the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Physical Research Laboratory

Physical Research Laboratory

The Physical Research Laboratory is a national Research Institute for space and allied sciences, supported mainly by Department of Space, Government of India. This research laboratory has ongoing research programmes in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Atmospheric Sciences and Aeronomy, Earth Sciences,...

 at Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad also known as Karnavati is the largest city in Gujarat, India. It is the former capital of Gujarat and is also the judicial capital of Gujarat as the Gujarat High Court has its seat in Ahmedabad...

, which is considered as the cradle of India's Space Program. Prof Rao was awarded the Padma Bhushan

Padma Bhushan

The Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, but comes before the Padma Shri. It is awarded by the Government of India.-History:...

 by the Government of India in 1976.

Early life

U. R. Rao was born at Adamaru

Adamaru

Adamaru or Adamaar is a village in the Udupi district of the state of Karnataka, India. The village houses one of the Ashta Mathas founded by Shri Madhvacharya, the Dvaita philosopher.The village can be reached by taking a left turn at Yermal on Udupi-Mangalore route on National Highway 17 while...

 in Karnataka

Karnataka

Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...

 State, India. He had his primary education at Adamaru.

Education

• Ph.D. – Gujarat University
  Gujarat University
  The Gujarat University is the statewide institution affiliating many reputed colleges across the state of Gujarat, India. It has been given a B++ ranking by National Assessment and Accreditation Council .-History:...
  
  , India, 1960
• M.Sc. - Banaras Hindu University
  Banaras Hindu University
  Banaras Hindu University is a public university located in Varanasi, India and is one of the Central Universities of India. It is the largest residential university in Asia, with over 24,000 students in its campus. BHU was founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya under the Parliamentary...
  
  , India, 1952
• B.Sc. - Madras University, India, 1952

After working as a Faculty Member at MIT

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...

 and Assistant Professor at University of Texas at Dallas

University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas, also referred to as UT Dallas or UTD, is a public research university in the University of Texas System. The main campus is in the heart of the Richardson, Texas, Telecom Corridor, north of downtown Dallas...

 where he carried out investigations as a prime experimenter on a number of Pioneer and Explorer spacecrafts, Prof. Rao returned to India in 1966 as Professor at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.

Career

Prof Rao started his career as a cosmic ray scientist, under the late Dr Vikram Sarabhai, which work he continued at MIT. In association with the JPL Group, he was the first to establish the continuous nature of the solar wind and its effect on geomagnetism using Mariner 2 observations. Prof Rao's experiments on a number of Pioneer and Explorer spacecrafts, 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, 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 including Bhaskara, APPLE, Rohini, INSAT-1 and INSAT-2 series of multipurpose satellites and the sophisticated IRS-1A and 1B remote sensing satellites were designed, fabricated and launched for providing communication, remote sensing and meteorological services.

Year	Positions held
1988,	Chairman, PRL Council, ISRO-DOS
2005 -	Chairman, Karnataka Science & Technology Academy
2007 -	Additional Director, Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore
2007 -	President, Centre for Space Physics, Kolkata
2006–2011	Chancellor, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow
2006–2010	Member, Central Board of Directors, Reserve Bank of India.
2007	Chairman, Governing Council of Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune
1997 -	Co-Chairman, Governing Council of National Center for Antarctic & Ocean Research, Goa
1981–2001	Member, Space Commission, Government of India
2001–2002	Chairman, Prasar Bharati Board
1997–2001	Member, Prasar Bharati Board
1998–2001	Member, National Security Advisory Board
1997–2000	Chairman, United Nations - Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS)
1994–1999	Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Distinguished Professor of the Department of Space
1984–1994	Chairman, Space Commission/Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India & Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
1975–1984	Director, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore
1972–1975	Project Director, Indian Scientific Satellite Project, Bangalore
1969–1972	Professor, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
1966–1969	Associate Professor, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.
1963–1966	Asst. Professor at S.W. Centre for Advanced Research, Dallas, Texas
1961–1963	Post Doctoral Fellow MIT, USA.

As Chairman of ISRO

After taking charge as Chairman, Space Commission and Secretary, Department of Space in 1985, Prof Rao accelerated the development of rocket technology, 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 a 850 kg. satellite into a polar orbit in 1995. Prof 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. 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.

Prof. Rao has tirelessly worked towards the utilisation of the vast benefits from space technology for the development of India. INSAT's initiated a total communication revolution in India, providing nationwide communication, TV Broadcasting, Developmental Education, Radio-Networking, Multimedia, Meteorological and Disaster Warning Services. Remote sensing satellites are now operationally used for monitoring and management of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, wasteland, underground and surface water, drought and flood. Prof. Rao has been responsible for evolving the highly innovative, integrated sustainable management strategy at micro-level, combining the vital inputs from space with biotechnological advances to achieve sustainable development.

Additional responsibilities

Chairman, Karnataka State Science and Technology / 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 of the Governing Council of Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune and Co-Chairman of the Governing Council of National Center for Antarctic & Ocean Research, Goa.

Prof Rao has published over 300 scientific and technical papers in various national and international journals covering cosmic rays, interplanetary physics, high energy astronomy, space applications and satellite and rocket technology. He has authored many books, notable amongst which are "Physics of the Communication", "Space and Agenda 21 - Caring for the Planet Earth" and "Space Technology for Sustainable Development".

Prof. Rao is 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. Prof. Rao was conferred Fellowship of the World Academy of Arts & Sciences. Prof. Rao, was the General President of the Indian Science Congress Association for 1995-96. Prof. 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. Prof. 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. Prof. Rao was elected as the Chairman of the 30th International Antarctic Treaty Consultative Committee Meeting at Delhi in April 2007.

Awards

Prof. Rao is the recipient of many national and international awards, such as :

A. National Awards

1976 Padma Bhushan (a very high civilian award of Government of India)

1973 Group Achievement Award by NASA, USA
1975 Medal of Honour by Academy of Sciences, USSR
1975 Karnataka Rajyotsava Award
1975 Hari Om Vikram Sarabhai Award
1975 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award
1980 National Design Award
1980 Vasvik Research Award
1983 Karnataka Rajyotsava Award
1987 PC Mahalnobis Medal
1993 Meghnad Saha Medal
1994 P.C. Chandra Puraskar Award
1994 Electronics Man of the Year Award
1995 Om Bhasin Award
1995 Zaheer Hussain Memorial Award
1995 Aryabhata Award
1995 Jawaharhal Nehru Award
1996 SK Mitra Birth Centenary Gold Medal
1997 Yudhvir Foundation Award
1997 Rabindranath Tagore Award of Viswa Bharati University
1999 Gujar Mal Modi Science Foundation Award
2001 Nadoja Award from Kannada University, Hampi
2001 Life Time Contribution Award in Engineering of INAE
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
2007 Life Time Achievement Award of Indian Space Research Organisation
2007 Distinguished Scientist Gold Medal of the Karnataka Science & Technology Academy.
2007 Vishwamanava Award
2008 Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award for 2007-2008 from ISCA
2008 A.V. Rama Rao Technology Award

B. International Awards

1991 Yuri Gagarin Medal of USSR
1992 Allan D Emil Award on International Cooperation
1994 Frank J Malina Award (International Astronautical Federation)
1996 Vikram Sarabhai Medal of COSPAR
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 The prestigious Space Magazine, Space News has named Prof. U.R. Rao as one of the Top 10 International Space Personalities who have made a substantial difference in civil, commerce and military space in the world since 1989
2005 Theodore Von Karman Award which is the highest Award of the International Academy of Astronautics.

Honours

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 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
1992 University of Bologna (Italy)

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.

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

Organised Special Plenary Current Event Sessions as a part of International Astronautical Federation Congress

1987 Use of Space Technology for the benefit of Human Kind, at Brighton (IAF)
1988 Space and Drought Management at Bangalore, India (IAF)
1989 Space and Flood Management at Malaga, Spain (IAF)
1990 Space and Forest Management at Dresden, Germany (IAF)
1991 Space and Agriculture Management at Montreal, Canada (IAF)
1992 Space and Developing Countries at Washington, USA (IAF)
1993 Space and Environment at Graz, Austria (IAF)
1994 Space and Rural Development at Jerusalem, Israel (IAF)
1995 Space for Education, Health Care and Environmental Monitoring at Oslo, Norway (IAF)
1996 Population Dynamics and Management of Urban Environment at Beijing, China (IAF)
1997 Space and Industrial Partnership for Rapid Development, Turin, Italy (IAF)
1998 Space in Transitioning Economic Scenario, Melbourne, Australia (IAF)
1999 Space Technology for Sustainable Economic Growth, Amsterdam, Netherlands (IAF)
2000 Space in the Next Millennium – Towards an Equitable Village at Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil (IAF)
2001 Space & Information Technology – From Digital Divide to Digital Bridge at Toulouse, France (IAF)
2002 Director – Summer Design Project on “Space for Enhancing Human Health” for the International Space University at Pomona, California (ISU)
2002 Space Solutions for Global Problems: Building Partnership with All Stakeholders in Human Security and Development at Houstan, USA (IAF)
2003 Space for Enhancement of Carrying Capacity at Bremen, Germany (IAF)
2004 National Disaster Management on a Global Scale” at Vancouver, Canada (IAF)
2005 Space Education and Capacity Building for Sustainable Development at Fukuoka, Japan (IAF)
2006 Use of Space Technology for Water Resource Management at Valencia, Spain (IAF)
2007 Space Technology for Poverty Alleviation at Hyderabad, India (IAF)

· 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)
· Published over 360 Scientific and Technical papers in various Journals.
· Author of three recent Books

Books authored

• U. R. Rao, K. Kasturirangan, K. R. Sridhara Murthi. and Surendra Pal (Editors), "Perspectives in Communications", World Scientific (1987). ISBN 9789971978761
• 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)

Recognition

In the year 2004, Space News weekly ranked Prof U R Rao among the top ten international personalities who have made a difference in civil, commerce and military space in the world since 1989. He won the Theodore Von Karman Award for 2005 presented by The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).

External links

• U.R Rao article on www.prithvibhat.com
• Award for U.R.Rao
• U.R.Rao research paper