Ex-Isro chief UR Rao passes away at 85; PM Modi expresses grief

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman U R Rao passes away at his residence in Bengaluru. Rao, who breathed his last at about 2.30am, was hospitalised earlier this year with a heart ailment. 

Professor U R Rao had launched India's first satellite Aryabhatta in 1975. The 85-year-old had served as the organisation's head from 1984-1994 .

The former Isro chief was serving as the chairman of the governing council of the physical research laboratory and the chancellor of the Indian Institute of Science and Technology at Thiruvananthapuram.

# He has served as the ISRO chief after Satish Dhawan. 

# He was the ISRO chief between 1984 and 1994.

# Rao was associated with India's space programmes along with M G KMenon , Satish Dhawan and Vikram Sarabhai.

# In January this year, he was conferred the Padma Vibhushan. 

# In May 2016, Rao became the first Indian to be given the 'Hall of Fame' award by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).

#Rao has published over 350 scientific and technical papers on cosmic rays, interplanetary physics, high energy astronomy, space applications and satellite and rocket technology

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to twitter on demise of renowned scientist,prof UR Rao. 

Saddened by demise of renowned scientist, Professor UR Rao. His remarkable contribution to India's space programme will never be forgotten.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2017