India's Satellite Man - PROF UDUPI RAMACHANDRA RAO (UR RAO)
From Sampath’s Desk:
PROF UDUPI RAMACHANDRA RAO
(UR RAO)
(10 March
1932-24 July 2017)
INDIA'S SATELLITE MAN
Prof Udupi Ramachandra Rao (UR RAO), associated with the Indian Space Science and Technology for long, was hailed as ‘India’s Satellite Man’. An experienced Space
Technology scientist, he was part of many launches - from Aryabhata, India’s
first satellite, to the experimental flight of GSLV Mk-III.
The globally-renowned space
scientist occupied key positions in multiple international forums besides important posts in India - the most important one being Chairman, ISRO
(1984-1994).
Whether it was the launch of Aryabhata
or the success of the Ariane Passenger PayLoad Experiment (Apple), which was
transported on a bullock cart in 1981, or the initial failures of the SLV
series of launchers and the PSLV's first flight, he remained unfazed. He had a
conviction so clear that such hurdles could not stop him. For, he knew, “Failure is
not the opposite of success. It is part of success.” His command on science and
ability to work through challenges was unparcelled that paved the way and led to a series of successful satellite programs in the country later.
At the initial stages of India’s 'Satellites journey' when failure was the norm, he was not one to get boggled or
buckled under pressure, strongly believing that failure was the key to success. Each mistake, according to him, teaches us something. His opinion was that it was not a failure, but 'unfinished
success'. True to Leonard Mlodinow’s quote, “A failure doesn’t mean you are
unworthy, nor does it preclude success on the next try”, he went ahead with his
undaunted efforts towards his missions and goalposts. He
would shrug off uncontrollable failure(s) with blasé reactions.
He was a rare of blend of both a learner
and teacher. Having been trained under Vikram Sarabhai - the father of Indian
space program - Rao was an inspiration to both his contemporaries and juniors
alike. He had relentless passion for and dedication to space science, and a vision on par
with his predecessors and mentors, Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan. His service to
science in India had continued till his last breath.
Successes didn’t
make him very proud and elated, nor did the failure dishearten/discourage him
even a little. He ensured that the teams under him learnt valuable lessons
from the failures and came out with improvements. He led his teams, which
battled the embargoes imposed on India by the US once, to sow the seeds
for the indigenous development of the Cryo-stage of GSLV.
He knew very well that the
objective could be achieved only if there is a will supported by sustained
action and by teamwork. He would empower people, lead
change(s), and encourage credotworthy performances. He motivated the personnel by delegation of powers,
identity development, and leading from the front. He had great skills to aptly communicate and organize, excellent insight into intricacies, crisis-handling, and problem-solving. He was a facilitator rather than a commander or demander. He would never call it quits even in the face of odds, ordeals and adversity.
He received Padma Bhushan award in 1976
and Padma Vibhushan in 2017 besides others.
After taking over as Chairman of the Space
Commission and Secretary, Department of Space in 1985, he accelerated the
development of rocket technology. He was the Chairman of ISRO (Indian Space
Research Organization) during 1984-1994. He also served as Chancellor of Indian
Institute of Space Science and Technology during which time he pushed for
launch vehicle development which subsequently led to realization of India's PSLV and
later GSLV rocket dreams, that proved to be the key boost to India’s space capabilities. The
silver-lining was that our launch capabilities in INSAT programs eventually
turned India into a major spacefaring nation.
He passed away on 24.7.2017.
R.SAMPAHTH
26/7/2017
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