Renowned Indian space scientist UR Rao passed away early on Monday. He was 85.
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"Rao passed away at his residence around 3 am, after prolonged illness and due to age-related health issues," an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) official told IANS.
Rao, who was the ISRO chairman for a decade from 1984 to 1994, leaves behind his wife, 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 AS 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 UR Rao. His remarkable contribution to India's space programme will never be forgotten," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
