'A V Rama Rao Technology Award' for U R Rao

Hyderabad, May 12 (UNI) Former Space Commission Chairman Udipi Ramachandra Rao was today conferred the prestigious 'A V Rama Rao Technology Award' for guiding the country's self-reliant space programme.

The award, instituted by the premier Indian Institute of Chemical Technolgy here to honour its former Director A V Rama Rao, was presented to Prof Rao, who was also the former Secretary of Department of Science, at an impressive ceremony, a release here said.

Under his guidance the country designed and launched 18 satellites, starting with Aryabhatta in 1975.

He accelerated the development of rocket technology, resulting in the successful launch of ASLV rocket and the operational PSLV launch vehicle which could inject two-tonne class of satellites into polar orbit.

The award consisted of a cash prize of Rs one lakh.

Prof Rao, a recipient of many national and international awards, including the Padma Bhushan, Group Achievement Award of the NASA, Vikram Sarabhai Research Award and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Memorial Award, had initiated the development of Geo Stationary Launch Vehicle and cryogenic technology in 1991.

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