Renowned Indian space scientist U.R. Rao dead (Lead)

Bengaluru July 24 (IANS) Renowned Indian space scientist U.R. Rao passed away here in the early hours of Monday said a space agency official. He was 85.

"Rao passed away at his residence around 3 a.m. after prolonged illness and due to age-related health issues " the official of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told IANS.

Rao who was the chairman of the state-run ISRO for a decade from 1984 to 1994 leaves behind his widow a son and a daughter.

"Rao was in a private hospital till recently for treatment as he had a heart ailment and was recovering at home. Our (ISRO) doctors were attending to him " said the official.

ISRO Chairman A.S. Krishna Kumar senior space scientists and many officials of the space agency rushed to Rao s house to mourn his death and console his bereaved family.

"Saddened by the demise of renowned scientist Professor U.R. Rao. His remarkable contribution to India s space programme will never be forgotten " tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

--IANS
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