BANGALORE (TIP): Renowned space scientist Prof U R Rao has been inducted into the highly coveted “Satellite Hall of Fame”, Washington, by the Society of Satellite Professionals International. Rao, a former Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chairman and Department of Space secretary, is the first Indian space scientist to be inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame, joining the select group of about 50 Hall of Fame members. He was conferred the honour at a function attended by over 1,000 distinguished guests consisting of space scientists, industry leaders, administrators and professionals on March 19, 2013 at Washington, an Isro release said. The citation read out at the time of induction said Rao has contributed to the development of space technology in India and its extensive application to communications and remote sensing of natural resources. “..

More than any other single individual, Prof. Rao is responsible for the creation of India’s space and satellite capabilities and their application to the nation’s development,” it said.