Udipi Ramachandra Rao - As Chairman of ISRO

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.