Today’s Google Doodle is a tribute to Professor Udupi Ramachandra Rao, an internationally renowned space scientist at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Google is celebrating the 89th birthday of the veteran who was one of the main pillars responsible for launching India’s first satellite into space. Read also – Happy International Women’s Day 2021: Google dedicates a special Doodle to celebrate the firsts in the history of women
Besides the above, Rao has played a central role in the overall development of the Space Technology Department in India and its extensive application to communications and remote sensing of natural resources. Also Read – ISRO Partners with MapmyIndia to Develop Rival Google Maps
For his contributions, he is also known as the “satellite man” of India. Also Read – Google Celebrates New Years Eve 2020 With Fun and Colorful Doodle
Who was Professor Udupi Ramachandra Rao?
Born in Adamaru, Karnataka state in 1932, UR Rao received his Bachelor of Arts and Science from Government in Anantpur and his PhD from the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad.
He worked as a faculty member at MIT and was also an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he conducted experiments on a number of spacecraft.
Rao returned to India in 1966 and took over the role of professor at the physical research laboratory in Ahemdabad where he initiated an extensive program in high energy astronomy.
Satellite man of India
In 1972, UR Rao started running India’s satellite program. Motivated by the practical applications of aerospace technology, Rao wanted to solve societal problems in India like poverty and food shortages.
Rao’s greatest achievement was when he oversaw the launch of India’s first satellite –Aryabhatta– in 1975. Apart from that, he also helped and oversaw the development of 19 other Indian satellites, most of which are now in orbit around the Earth.
From 1984 to 1994, Professor Rao continued to work in the region of space exploration and took the national space program to new heights as President of ISRO. Here he has also developed rocket technology such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which has launched more than 250 satellites to date.
For his achievement, Rao was the first Indian to be inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame in 2013, the same year ISRO launched the country’s first interplanetary mission –Mangalyaan– a satellite which always revolves around the red planet.