On March 10, Wednesday, Google doodle celebrated the 89th birthday of “India’s Satellite Man”, Udupi Ramachandra Rao. Rao was a renowned Indian professor and a space scientist. His achievements include the operation of Prasar Bharti under his chair, being the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and being the pioneer in the development and launch of the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). But arguably the most monumental achievement of his life was his supervision in the launch of India’s first satellite – “Aryabhata”.
The Google doodle is famous for honouring influential figures from all across the world through its quirky, cute animated designs. In honour of Mr. Rao, the doodle features a sketch of Mr. Rao with the earth in its background and stars shooting all across him. Mr. Rao can be seen holding a satellite in his hand and a blueprint can be seen under his arm.
The Google Doodle’s official website shared some information about the Indian professor. “Born in a remote village of Karnataka on this day in 1932, Prof Rao began his career as a cosmic-ray physicist and protege of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, a scientist widely regarded as the father of India’s space program. After completing his doctorate, Prof Rao brought his talents to the US, where he worked as a professor and conducted experiments on NASA’s Pioneer and Explorer space probes,” the description reads.
The life and times of ‘India’s Satellite Man’ Udupi Ramachandra Rao:
Mr. Rao was born on March 10, 1932, in Kudupi, Karnataka. Although he spent much of his childhood in his village Adamaru, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the prestigious Madras University in 1952 and received a Masters in Science (MSc) degree from the BHU (Banaras Hindu University) in 1954.
After achieving his master’s degree, he started his career under the guidance of Dr Vikram Sarabhai as a cosmic-ray physicist. Dr Sarabhai is another influential figure in the Indian space program and is often known as the father of India’s space program.
After completing his thesis and getting his doctorate under Dr Sarabhai’s guidance, Mr. Rao went to the US and became a Faculty Member at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Texas. At these institutes, Mr. Rao imparted his wisdom and also conducted satellite-based researches of cosmic rays on NASA’S Pioneer and Explorer crafts.
As a dutiful son of his motherland, Mr. Rao came back to India in 1966 after getting experience in the USA. After his arrival to India, Mr. Rao took the first step in spearheading India’s space and satellite program by setting up the Physical Research Laboratory. Under his guidance, India gave the world the proof of its mettle in space sciences by launching the ‘Aryabhata’ satellite in 1975. The satellite’s aim was to conduct experiments in x-ray astronomy and solar physics.
The launch of the Aryabhata satellite with the partnership of the Soviet Union in 1975 was a milestone in India’s space journey. Mr. Rao was known by his peers as an efficient and aggressive project director. Mr. Rao had to start from scratch in the design and development of the satellite and delivered Aryabhata within the stipulated timeline of three years.
In 1984, he was bestowed the position of the Chairman, Space Commission Secretary, Department of Space. He was a catalyst in the Indian space program and is credited to establishing the development of indigenous satellite tech, creating an Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and overseeing the development of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). He also spearheaded the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket in 1991.
At his time, he published over 350 scientific papers that covered a range of topics from cosmic rays to interplanetary physics, to satellite and rocket technology. He also authored multiple books and received the D. Sc. Degree from over 25 Universities across the world, which includes the oldest European university, the University of Bologna.
