Renowned space scientist UR Rao dead

Bengaluru: Renowned Indian space scientist U R Rao, the architect of early satellites, including Aryabhatta, Bhaskar, Apple, Rohini and multi-purpose Insat series, passed away here on Monday. He was 85.

Rao passed away at his residence around 3 am after prolonged illness and due to age-related health issues, an official of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. Rao, who was chairman of ISRO for a decade until 1994, leaves behind his wife, also a scientist, a son and a daughter.

Rao was in a private hospital till recently due to a heart ailment and was recovering at home, the official said.

"Saddened by the demise of renowned scientist. His remarkable contribution to India's space programme will never be forgotten," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah visited the house and laid a wreath on Rao's body.

ISRO chairman A S Krishna Kumar, senior space scientists and many others from the space agency rushed to Rao's house on hearing the news. The state government decided to pay homage to Rao with a state funeral.

As a mark of respect, Rao's cortege was taken to ISRO's Satellite Centre on the Old Airport Road in the eastern suburb from his residence to enable hundreds of scientists and officials to pay homage.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted: "U R Rao led India's space research programme to unprecedented heights. His contribution was remarkable.

I'm saddened by his demise." BJP President Amit Shah too saluted Rao's "remarkable contribution" to India's space research programme.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said Rao helped to take ISRO to unparalleled heights since the launch of Aryabhatta.