Prof. U.R. Rao was a globally renowned space scientist whose pioneering contributions greatly advanced India's space technology and its applications, particularly in communications and remote sensing of natural resources.

He served as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad and held the position of Chancellor at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram. Prior to this, he had a distinguished career, including faculty positions at MIT and the University of Texas at Dallas, where he conducted groundbreaking experiments on Pioneer and Explorer spacecraft.

In 1972, Prof. Rao recognized the significance of space technology for India's development and led the establishment of satellite technology. Under his guidance, India successfully launched over 18 satellites, providing essential services in communication, remote sensing, and meteorology. His leadership as Chairman of the Space Commission and Secretary of the Department of Space accelerated rocket technology development, resulting in the operational PSLV launch vehicle and the initiation of GSLV and cryogenic technology development.

Prof. Rao was a prolific author, with over 350 scientific papers and numerous books covering various space-related disciplines. He received honorary degrees from more than 21 universities, including the University of Bologna. His contributions were recognized with prestigious awards such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, and he became the first Indian space scientist to be inducted into the "Satellite Hall of Fame" and the "IAF Hall of Fame." Prof. U.R. Rao's legacy in space science and technology remains an enduring testament to his remarkable career.