TODAY’S Google Doodle celebrates the life of Udupi Ramachandra Rao.
The Indian professor and scientist, who passed away in 2017, would have celebrated his 89th birthday today.
Who is Udupi Ramachandra Rao?
The legendary scientist is known by many as ‘India’s Satellite Man’.
He is renowned for playing a key role in the development of space technology in India.
He was born in the small village of Karnataka on March 10, 1932.
Rao, who started his career as a cosmic-ray physicist, moved to the US after he completed his doctorate.
While working as a professor, he led experiments on NASA’s Pioneer and Explorer space probes.
He returned to India in 1966 before he took charge of the country’s satellite programme.
And he went on to supervise the 1975 launch of India’s first satellite.
Rao developed over 20 satellites that transformed life in India.
When did Udupi Ramachandra Rao die?
The legendary scientist passed away on 24 July, 2017.
He was 85 years old when he died.
It is reported that he was suffering with ‘age related health issues’.
From 1984 until 1994, he worked as the chairman of India’s Space Research Organisation.
During his time there, he launched over 250 satellites.
He became the first Indian inducted into the Satellite Hall of Game in 2013.